With weather forecasts predicting temperatures in the high twenties by Friday, garden birds face extra challenges in staying hydrated and healthy.

Bird food supplier Richard Green from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies shares expert tips on how you can help birds thrive in your garden during the warmer months.

Provide fresh water regularly

“Providing fresh water is essential for wild birds, especially during the hot summer months. Birds lose water through various means, including respiration and excretion, which can become a serious issue in high temperatures.

“Bird baths don’t need to be fancy, even a shallow dish with 1-2 inches of water can help them stay hydrated and regulate their body temperature. It’s important to keep the water clean and place it in a shaded area to encourage more birds to visit.”

Feed birds high-energy foods
“Summer can be a challenging time for wild birds, as they have higher energy needs. Offering high-energy foods like sunflower hearts, suet pellets, and dried mealworms can support their endurance during the heat.

“These foods are packed with the necessary fats and proteins that birds need to maintain their strength, especially during fledgling season. Avoid homemade fat balls, as they can spoil quickly in the heat and pose a health risk. Don’t overfill feeders in hot weather, as this will prevent food from spoiling and spreading diseases.”

Create shade and shelter
“Shade is important for birds to cool off during the hottest parts of the day. Trees, dense bushes, and even longer grasses provide birds with much-needed refuge from the sun. By planting a variety of shrubs and trees in your garden, you can offer birds a safe, cool environment where they can rest and rejuvenate.

“Additionally, adding birdhouses or garden fountains can provide both shelter and a water source, making your garden more inviting to wildlife.”

Maintain clean feeders and bird baths
“Hot temperatures can quickly turn bird feeders and baths into breeding grounds for bacteria and mould. To protect birds from harmful pathogens, it's important to stick to a regular cleaning routine, scrub feeders with a mild disinfectant every two weeks and replace any old food.

“Similarly, bird baths should be cleaned daily so that the water remains fresh. This helps to create a safe and healthy environment for birds to feed and bathe.”

Water your plants
“Insects provide a valuable food source for birds. By keeping plants hydrated, bees, butterflies, and other insects have access to water. These insects then become an important meal for birds, especially during hot weather.”

Make sure you have the right food

“Fledgling season coincides with dry weather, making it harder for birds to find insects and worms. Providing mealworms, suet, sunflower hearts, or peanuts in manageable amounts gives them the essential nutrition and energy. Avoid overfilling feeders in hot weather to prevent food from spoiling and spreading diseases.”

Protect birds from predators
“Placing water dishes near bushes or trees may attract predators, particularly cats, which often hide in shrubs waiting to ambush birds. To reduce the risk of predator attacks, place water sources away from areas where predators might be lurking.”

Support birds with dirt and mud

“Dry soil is great for dust baths, which help birds clean their feathers and remove oils. Mud is also great for birds like house martins to build nests. Creating a muddy patch or mixing soil and water in a container is a simple but effective way to support their needs.”