Why Birds Need Our Help
As temperatures are forecast to hit 30C in parts of the UK, birds are going to need a little extra help with the scorching weather. Research shows that when dry seasons like those in summer get just 1C hotter, birds’ chance of survival for the whole year drops by about 63% on average.
- • When dry seasons get just 1C hotter, birds’ chance of survival for the whole year drops by about 63% on average.
- • Birds’ survival rate can be boosted by providing them with a much-needed food source, especially invertebrates.
What Birds Need
According to Lucy Taylor, garden wildlife expert at Vine House Farm Bird Foods, the main food that most garden birds need at this time of year is invertebrates, including caterpillars, flying insects, earthworms, and snails.
- • Caterpillars
- • Flying insects
- • Earthworms
- • 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.
Providing Food for Birds
So, how can you provide these essential invertebrates to your garden birds? Lucy Taylor suggests soaking dried mealworms in water before putting them out, as they provide a much-needed source of protein and moisture.
“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.”
Another way to help birds cope in the heat is by ensuring they have access to fresh clean water in your garden.
Providing Clean Water
Lucy Taylor emphasizes the importance of keeping the bird bath clean and full with fresh water throughout the day.
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