As temperatures continue to soar, people are being urged to help birds in their garden because the hot weather can be a struggle for them
As the UK braces for another heatwave, Brits are being urged to make a simple addition to their gardens to aid local wildlife. With temperatures set to soar to 30℃ in some parts of the country, our feathered friends will need a bit of extra assistance to cope with the blistering heat.
Studies revealed when summer dry spells become just 1℃ hotter, the survival rate of birds for the entire year plummets by an average of 63 per cent. If you’re keen on helping your garden’s bird population flourish this summer, there’s one crucial step 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.”
Lucy emphasised the importance of providing birds with fresh water during hot spells, saying: “Access to clean water can be a lifesaver for birds when there’s no natural source of water close by, but dirty water in bird baths is a real hazard as it can cause and spread disease in birds.”
She advised: “So keep the bird bath clean and full with fresh water throughout the day.
“The other thing you can do is add a further source of clean water in your garden, which can be any sort of shallow dish or tray – e.g. the sort that goes under a plant pot.”
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