Birds do not sweat and need to regulate their temperature through panting, which can cause their small bodies to lose a lot of moisture, and they will need a lot more water to stay hydrated.
Katherine McPhillips and Steffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director
16:09, 12 Jul 2025
Bird baths will stay thriving for birds in the heat if gardeners do 1 easy task(Image: Getty)
The sweltering heatwave blanketing the UK has left many of us hot under the collar, but it’s our feathered friends who are truly in a flap without access to bird baths. With birds unable to break a sweat, they resort to panting to cool down, a process that can quickly dehydrate their petite frames, making ample water an absolute necessity.
Yet, Kaytee, a pet supply specialist, has sounded the alarm for all green-fingered enthusiasts, highlighting that birds might give your garden’s bird bath the cold shoulder if it’s out in the open. According to them: “Temperatures are hottest in the middle of the day and late afternoon, and it can be difficult to help keep birds cool when the sun is blazing.
They further suggest: “Keeping the yard quiet and free of pets, children, and disruptive activities like lawn mowing or other chores at that time will provide birds with a peaceful, stress-free sanctuary just when they need to cool off the most.”
Noise and the fear of predators can deter birds from taking a necessary dip or sip, especially if human activity is buzzing nearby. Yet, you needn’t steer clear of your own garden when the mercury climbs.
Simply tucking your bird bath into a shaded retreat surrounded by shrubbery or trees can create an inviting oasis for birds. Not only does this offer them a concealed haven to seek refuge from threats, but it also ensures the water remains refreshingly tepid for their bathing and drinking pleasure, reports the Express.
Birdbaths keep cool so birds stay safe in the heat if gardeners do 1 easy task (Image: Getty)
Shifting your bird bath during the summer months can transform your garden into a sanctuary for timid birds trying to beat the heat. It’s also worth mentioning that on sweltering days, birds tend to seek refuge in any shaded part of the garden, prompting a plea to gardeners to hold off on pruning for the time being.
The best place to put a bird bath is a quiet shady spot in the garden near a tree or bush(Image: Getty)
Birds will not go near a garden if your bird bath is out in the open near people(Image: Getty)
Birds rely on thick foliage for a respite from the heat, and trimming plants at this juncture could not only disrupt their nesting but also slash their food supply by removing potential berries or seeds.
An expert has weighed in, saying, “More natural shade will not only help birds stay cool, but thicker, unpruned plants will provide more secure nesting areas for summer birds as well as better shelter from thunderstorms or prowling predators.”
Pruning activities can inflict significant stress on our feathered friends by causing excessive disturbance, leading them to abandon their safe havens.
Green-fingered enthusiasts should take heart in knowing that postponing gardening chores amidst a heatwave isn’t just slacking off; it’s a crucial step in ensuring birds remain cool and protected during their most vulnerable times.