Heatwave warning for garden birds

As heatwaves continue across parts of the UK, the RSPB is encouraging people to take simple steps to help garden birds and other wildlife cope with the heat, while also protecting them from diseases that can spread more easily during the warmer months.

While providing food and water can be a lifeline for wildlife during a heatwave, the RSPB is urging people to adapt how they help birds in summer to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive, said: “As we said in April when we originally updated our guidance, we are not asking people to stop feeding completely during the summer months, but just to adjust when and how we feed to ensure together we can help protect the future of our garden birds.

“Providing clean water for drinking and bathing all year round is one of the simplest ways to help garden wildlife. During the summer months it's even more of a lifeline, especially with the recent and ongoing heatwaves and the likelihood of more dry weather in the weeks ahead. But please just ensure the water is changed daily and that the bath is cleaned at least once a week.”

The summer months can make it harder for garden birds to find food naturally because dry, hardened soil limits access to worms and other invertebrates.

While putting out food can help, it is important to remember that new guidance advises against feeding peanuts and seeds during the summer and autumn months. The RSPB advises feeding mealworms and suet in small amounts. It is also crucial to clean and move hanging feeders regularly and not use bird tables.

During hot weather, fresh water can save lives. Natural water sources can dry up, leaving birds and other wildlife struggling to find somewhere to drink and bathe.

People are encouraged to provide clean water in a bird bath, pond or shallow dish. Adding a few stones around the edge can help butterflies and other insects perch safely while drinking, while also making it easier for species such as hedgehogs, frogs and toads to access the water.

However, hygiene is essential. Bird baths should be emptied and refilled daily, and cleaned and disinfected every week to help prevent disease spreading between birds.

Gardens can become important sanctuaries during periods of extreme heat. Allowing parts of the garden to grow a little wilder can provide much-needed shade and shelter for wildlife. Longer grass, dense shrubs, hedges and leaf piles create cooler areas where birds, insects and amphibians can escape the hottest temperatures.

Planting wildlife-friendly vegetation can also provide natural shade while supporting a wider range of species. And gardeners can help birds find natural food sources by planting wildlife-friendly species such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy. These plants provide seeds, berries and habitat for insects, helping to create healthier, more resilient gardens for wildlife.

The RSPB is also reminding people that the way they feed birds not only during summer but across autumn and winter is important to help protect bird health in the long term.

Greenfinches have suffered one of the UK's most dramatic garden bird declines, with populations falling by more than 65% since the mid-1990s – a loss of over two million birds.

A major cause of this decline is trichomonosis, a disease that spreads more easily when birds gather together around contaminated food and water sources. As a result of these losses, greenfinches are now on the UK's Red List of conservation concern.

To help reduce the risk, the RSPB is urging people to remember a simple message:

Feed safely. Feed seasonally.

Feed seasonally

From 1 May to 31 October, people are encouraged to feed small amounts of mealworms, fatballs or suet. Protein-rich food helps boost chick survival rates. Natural foods are plentiful in summer, so birds need less supplementary feeding.  

Finches are less attracted to fat and suet, so risk of disease is likely to be lower.

Feed safely

Adjust the amount you offer based on demand. Don't let food get old or spoiled. Fresh food is less likely to harbour bacteria or spread disease. Don't offer food on bird tables and other flat-surfaced feeders, where contaminated food can accumulate and increase the risk of disease transmission. Change drinking water every day and clean water containers at least weekly.

With a little extra care during hot weather, everyone can play a part in helping garden birds stay hydrated, healthy and safe throughout the summer.

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