As the UK continues to bask in the heatwave, it’s important to remember that birds also need help to keep cool – and there’s one simple task we can do to help them
Heatwaves in the UK can be a double-edged sword.
While it’s a welcome relief from the country’s notoriously gloomy weather, the soaring temperatures can be a challenging time for both humans and animals alike – especially birds.
As they don’t have sweat glands, birds rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, which quickly depletes their moisture levels. This is where bird baths become essential, and there’s one simple step you can take to ensure they receive the care they need.
Just like us, birds love to take a refreshing dip to cool down, and bird baths provide the perfect opportunity for them to do so. Whether it’s a wood pigeon, blackbird, starling, robin, or another species, immersing themselves in cold water is an effective way to manage their temperature.
As they paddle, splash, and fluff out their feathers, birds can not only cool down but also clean themselves in the process. According to wildlife expert Dominic Couzens, who spoke with the RSPB: “Every bird species has its own ‘thermal neutral zone’. This is the range of external temperatures over which its normal rate of metabolic heat production doesn’t change.”, reports the Express.
“Either side of this range, birds can die; however, this does take extreme conditions. An acclimatised, well-hydrated pigeon, for example, can cope with a temperature of 60°C.”
Yet there’s a significant risk associated with bird baths that could be harmful to our feathered friends, but we can lend them a helping wing.
The RSPB warns: “If you put out a bird bath, it’s best to replace the water daily and make sure you give it a thorough clean once a week. This can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.”
Indeed, as the temperature rises in the summer months, bird bath water can become too warm, so it’s crucial to regularly refresh it to keep it cool and inviting.
Moreover, if birds are using the water for bathing, the contaminated water might pose a health hazard.
Birds can carry various diseases and pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which have the potential to infect humans and other animals.
Some of the familiar culprits include salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and Avian influenza.