Just like humans and plant life, wildlife struggles during extended stretches of 90+ degree temperatures
This is your reminder to show a little extra love to local wildlife.
During hot, dry weather, natural water sources such as puddles, seasonal creeks, and dew can disappear. Birds, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, pollinators, and other wildlife must spend extra energy searching for water, and dehydration can become life-threatening for them when they can't local water sources.
Birds cool themselves by panting and evaporating moisture from their respiratory system - much like a dog - which causes them to lose water rapidly.
Pollinators such as bees and butterflies also need reliable water sources to survive and continue pollinating our landscapes, gardens, and fields.
How to help wildlife during a heatwave
Put out a shallow container of fresh water and fill it with fresh water daily (check it mid-day to see if it needs to be refilled). It doesn't have to be anything fancy - a plant saucer, pie pan, bird bath, or shallow bowl all work well.
If you have a birdbath, fill it with fresh water daily (twice a day if needed).
A few tips:
• Keep it shallow. One to two inches of water is plenty for most wildlife.
• Add a few rocks, pebbles, or sticks. They provide safe landing spots for bees, butterflies, and small birds and help prevent insects from drowning.
• Place it in the shade. Cooler water stays fresh longer and is more inviting during the hottest part of the day.
• Refresh it daily. Water evaporates quickly in the summer heat, and fresh water is healthier for wildlife.
• Clean the container every day or two. A quick rinse helps prevent algae and discourages mosquito larvae from developing.
• If you have a bird bath, moving water from a small solar fountain or dripper can attract even more birds while helping keep the water fresh.
• Avoid placing water immediately next to dense shrubs where outdoor cats or other predators could hide.
You may be surprised by the variety of birds, butterflies, bees, rabbits, squirrels, and other visitors that stop by for a drink.
Hummingbirds
During a heat wave, keep hummingbird feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar, replacing the solution every 1–2 days to prevent spoilage in the heat. If the nectar in your hummingbird feeder looks even a little bit cloudy, this is a sign that bacteria is growing. Toss the nectar and provide fresh solution immediately.
Providing shallow water sources, flowering plants, and shady resting spots can also help hummingbirds stay hydrated, cool, and healthy during periods of extreme summer temperatures.
Stay cool, and thank you for helping our wild neighbors!
Credit: Rebecca Foo, Bayou Hills Neighbors
During hot, dry weather, natural water sources such as puddles, seasonal creeks, and dew can disappear. Birds, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, pollinators, and other wildlife must spend extra energy searching for water, and dehydration can become life-threatening for them when they can't local water sources.
Birds cool themselves by panting and evaporating moisture from their respiratory system - much like a dog - which causes them to lose water rapidly.
Pollinators such as bees and butterflies also need reliable water sources to survive and continue pollinating our landscapes, gardens, and fields.
How to help wildlife during a heatwave
Put out a shallow container of fresh water and fill it with fresh water daily (check it mid-day to see if it needs to be refilled). It doesn't have to be anything fancy - a plant saucer, pie pan, bird bath, or shallow bowl all work well.
If you have a birdbath, fill it with fresh water daily (twice a day if needed).
A few tips:
• Keep it shallow. One to two inches of water is plenty for most wildlife.
• Add a few rocks, pebbles, or sticks. They provide safe landing spots for bees, butterflies, and small birds and help prevent insects from drowning.
• Place it in the shade. Cooler water stays fresh longer and is more inviting during the hottest part of the day.
• Refresh it daily. Water evaporates quickly in the summer heat, and fresh water is healthier for wildlife.
• Clean the container every day or two. A quick rinse helps prevent algae and discourages mosquito larvae from developing.
• If you have a bird bath, moving water from a small solar fountain or dripper can attract even more birds while helping keep the water fresh.
• Avoid placing water immediately next to dense shrubs where outdoor cats or other predators could hide.
You may be surprised by the variety of birds, butterflies, bees, rabbits, squirrels, and other visitors that stop by for a drink.
Hummingbirds
During a heat wave, keep hummingbird feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar, replacing the solution every 1–2 days to prevent spoilage in the heat. If the nectar in your hummingbird feeder looks even a little bit cloudy, this is a sign that bacteria is growing. Toss the nectar and provide fresh solution immediately.
Providing shallow water sources, flowering plants, and shady resting spots can also help hummingbirds stay hydrated, cool, and healthy during periods of extreme summer temperatures.
Stay cool, and thank you for helping our wild neighbors!
Credit: Rebecca Foo, Bayou Hills Neighbors
With the forecast calling for continued temperatures in the 90s for the foreseeable future, something as simple as providing fresh water for wildlife can make a real difference.