As I write this, we're in the middle of another intense stretch of hot weather. The temperatures have climbed well into the 30s, the humidity has made it feel even hotter, and we're all being reminded to stay hydrated, seek shade and avoid spending too much time in the midday sun. While we're taking care of ourselves, it's worth remembering that the birds visiting our backyards are facing the very same conditions.
During a heat wave like the one we're experiencing now, one of the most important things we can do for our feathered visitors is provide a reliable source of fresh, clean water. Food is certainly important, but when temperatures soar, water often becomes the most valuable resource in your backyard.
Birds depend on water for much more than simply having a drink. They also bathe regularly to help regulate their body temperature and keep their feathers in peak condition. Healthy feathers are essential for insulation, waterproofing and flight. A good bath removes dust, dirt and parasites while helping birds stay cool during the hottest days of summer.
That's why I always recommend having a bird bath or a hanging waterer in your yard if possible. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Even a simple, shallow bird bath filled with fresh water can become one of the busiest spots in your garden during a heat wave. You'll often find chickadees, finches, cardinals, blue jays, robins, mourning doves and many other species stopping by throughout the day to drink, bathe and cool off.
The key, of course, is keeping that water clean.
Warm temperatures encourage algae growth, and standing water can quickly become dirty. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple products that make maintaining your bird bath much easier.
One of my favourites is the Urban Nature Store Copper Purification Disk. Simply place the copper disk in the bird bath and it naturally helps slow algae growth, reducing the amount of scrubbing you'll need to do while helping keep the water fresher between cleanings.
Another excellent option is the Songbird Essentials Birdbath Protector. This easy-to-use treatment helps keep bird bath water cleaner and clearer without harming birds when used as directed. Together, these two products make maintaining a healthy bird bath much easier during the hot summer months.
Even with these helpful products, I still recommend emptying and refilling your bird bath every day or two during hot weather. Fresh water is always the healthiest option for birds, and frequent water changes also help discourage mosquitoes from breeding.
Another consideration that many people overlook is bird bath safety.
Many decorative bird baths are fairly deep or have smooth, slippery surfaces. Adult birds usually manage just fine, but young birds that have recently left the nest can sometimes struggle, especially after their feathers become soaked with water.
One of the simplest improvements you can make is placing several smooth river stones in one half of the bird bath. The stones create a gradual, shallow entry and provide secure footing for juvenile birds as they learn to bathe. If their wet feathers make climbing difficult, the stones give them an easy way to get safely in and out of the water.
At the same time, leave the other half of the bird bath open and deeper. Larger birds, especially American Robins, absolutely love having enough depth to splash around. If you've ever watched a robin enthusiastically belly flop into a bird bath, you'll know exactly what I mean! By creating both shallow and deeper sections, you're making your bird bath safer for young birds while still accommodating larger species that enjoy a more vigorous bath. Location also plays an important role.
Place your bird bath where birds have a clear view of approaching predators but with shrubs or small trees nearby so they have somewhere to retreat if startled. During extreme heat, a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade will help keep the water cooler and reduce evaporation throughout the day.
If you really want to make your backyard irresistible, consider adding a dripper or small fountain. Birds are naturally attracted to the sound and movement of water, and you may find species visiting that you've never seen in your yard before.
Although we're talking about surviving the summer heat, it's important to remember that birds need fresh water every month of the year.
Many people assume birds can simply eat snow during winter, but that requires valuable energy to melt inside their bodies. Having access to liquid water is far more beneficial. That's why I also recommend a heated bird bath once the temperatures begin to drop. During the coldest days of winter, when ponds, puddles and streams are frozen solid, a heated bird bath may become one of the most valuable resources in your neighbourhood. You'll often be surprised by how many winter birds become regular visitors once they discover a dependable source of open water.
As this hot spell continues, many of us are making sure our own water bottles stay full and we're checking in on family, friends and neighbours. Our backyard birds need a helping hand too. They can't turn on a tap when they're thirsty, and many natural puddles, creeks and ponds become warm, stagnant or dry up altogether during extended periods of extreme heat.
Providing fresh water is one of the simplest yet most meaningful things you can do for your backyard birds. A clean bird bath, a few river stones to make it safe for young birds, and products like the Urban Nature Store Copper Purification Disk and the Songbird Essentials Birdbath Protector can help keep the water inviting all season long. And when winter arrives, don't put that bird bath away—replace it with a heated bird bath so your feathered visitors have access to fresh water even when temperatures plunge below freezing.
Whether it's the heat dome we're experiencing today or the bitter cold of January, water is every bit as important for birds as it is for us. We all need it to survive and thrive.
So after you've poured yourself another glass of water during this heat wave, take a moment to step outside and top up your bird bath as well. It may seem like a small gesture, but to the birds that visit your yard, it can make all the difference.
By Paul Oliver
Founder of Urban Nature Store
