As temperatures soar, our garden birds are under stress. With fewer insects and rising temperatures, they need our support more than ever. Here’s how to help them thrive, featuring key insights and picks from Walter Products.
🌤️ Why Birds Need Extra Help
Hot, dry weather forces water and energy depletion. Birds like robins and blue tits expend more energy panting and feeding chicks, while insects disappear due to parched soil.
🥜 1. Offer High-Energy, Heat-Safe Foods
Opt for mealworms, Calci Worms, Sunflower Hearts - all top picks in the heat:
- Mealworms for protein-packed feeding.
- Calci Worms add bone-building calcium, essential during chick rearing.
-
Sunflower hearts or its safe alternatives provide quick energy.
‼️ Avoid fatty foods that melt like suet balls or peanuts in direct sun - they can spoil quickly in heat.
💦 2. Keep Water Accessible & Clean
Provide multiple shallow water stations in full shade, refreshed at dawn and dusk. Add stones or perches so small birds and insects can drink safely.
🌳 3. Add Shade & Hideouts
Place feeders and baths under trees, pergolas, or shade cloth. Dense planting and hedges allow birds to cool down during the day.
🕵️♂️ 4. Watch for Heat Stress
Signs like open-beak breathing (“gular fluttering”) indicate overheating. If you see this, offer cooler water and more shade.
Just a little mindful feeding, fresh water, and shade placement can help garden birds navigate even the toughest heat spells. With Walter Products' trusted bird foods, you can offer targeted, safe support for our feathered friends.