This year, the nation has already had a taste of how just a few degrees can make the difference between a pleasant summer's day and an unbearably hot one. For many people, a heatwave brings sleepless nights, swollen limbs and an ever-present risk of heatstroke and sunburn.
Crucially, we're not the only ones affected by the extreme heat. Our dogs can also struggle to cope in hot weather, and so can smaller creatures such as garden birds.
In fact, birds are particularly vulnerable because they cannot sweat and have a naturally high body temperature, meaning that extended periods of heat can quickly lead to dehydration, overheating and heatstroke.
Ground-feeders like robins face the additional challenge of heatwaves quite literally baking the ground, making it difficult to find food.
One of the best ways to help robins – and all birds, for that matter – during the heat is to provide them with a way to cool down. During hot spells, birds will naturally seek shelter in the shade of hedgerows, brambles and leafy trees, but they also enjoy a cooling splash.
"Many of us like to cool down by taking a dip and birds do too," says the RSPB. "Whether a bird bath, a puddle or the edges of a pond, look out for birds such as wood pigeons, blackbirds, starlings and robins paddling or splashing about. Shaking the water through their feathers helps to keep them cool and clean, too. "
If you put out a bird bath, the charity stresses the importance of replacing the water daily and giving it a thorough clean once a week to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert and founder of bird and wildlife feed supplier Ark Wildlife, echoes this advice. "With many pathogens, such as E. coli and Salmonella, active in warm weather, it's important to maintain good hygiene for bird health," he says. "Warm, stagnant bird baths can become breeding grounds for disease if not regularly cleaned."
If placed in the right spot, a bird bath can help not just feathered friends. "Place shallow dishes or bird baths in shady spots, ideally at multiple heights, to give all wildlife, from hedgehogs to sparrows, a safe way to rehydrate and cool down,” Sean adds.
To help robins find the food they need, you can also offer small amounts of mealworms or suet. The RSPB's updated guidance advises against routine feeding between May and October to prevent large numbers of birds gathering in one place and spreading disease, but small amounts can still be provided when needed.
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Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
