With another heatwave on the way, experts have urged all homeowners to help out the wildlife in the scorching temperatures amid dehydration concerns, especially for birds
As the temperatures are set to soar again in the next few days – people are being urged to put one item out in their gardens.
While we can take shade inside, many bird and wildlife creatures may struggle in the heat, which is why the Met Office is encouraging people to place bowls of water out.
Heatwave temperatures in Britain can soar up to 30C that puts public health warnings in place, with people recommended to avoid sunlight in the daytime. While it can be harmful to humans, it can also impact the wildlife too as prolong spells of hot and dry weather can cause issues.
READ MORE: Brits told not to do one thing in garden this weekend as heatwave continues
Many creatures struggle when it’s hot, and with lack of access to water and food – it can cause serious dehydration, starvation and heat exhaustion and the Met Office said: “Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.”
According to Little Green Space, animals use water for drinking and for cooling off, and birds, especially, need to bathe regularly, which helps to remove dirt and grit, and keeps their feathers in good condition. So the experts recommend: “To help in hot weather, fill a shallow container with water – you could use a plant pot saucer, washing up bowl or upturned dustbin lid.
“Ideally, the container should have gently sloping sides – if yours doesn’t, position some stones or large pebbles in the water to ensure animals have safe access and exit points. Don’t place water dishes too close to bushes and trees, to minimise attacks from cats and other predators, and remember to clean containers regularly to reduce the risks of spreading diseases.”
Studies revealed when summer dry spells become just one degree hotter, the survival rate of birds for the entire year plummets by an average of 63 per cent.
So if you’re keen on helping your garden’s bird population flourish this summer, there are steps you can take before the mercury rises to ensure their wellbeing.
Lucy Taylor, a garden wildlife expert at Vine House Farm Bird Foods, suggested offering them a vital food source is an excellent way to lend a hand. She explained: “The main food that most garden birds need at this time of year is invertebrates, including caterpillars, flying insects, earthworms and snails.
“Even species like the house sparrow that feed on seeds for much of the year will partly switch to invertebrates during the breeding season because the protein and moisture they contain are what their chicks need to grow and survive.”
To guarantee the birds in your garden are getting what they need, you can provide them with dried mealworms soaked in water to help them manage in the hot weather, reports the Express. Lucy advised: “They must be first soaked in cold water for a few hours before putting them out. Sultanas are another food which are good for some species of garden bird, but again, it’s essential they’re first soaked in water.”
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