Help Birds—and Others—Beat the Heat

 It's hot. It's dry. Comfortable in my air-conditioned home, I can see the heat on my deck in the posture of the potted plants, and in the behavior of the birds who stop by the birdbath.

The young starling, bill open as it "pants" to cool off, investigates shady pockets before grabbing a beakful of tomato leaves--for what purpose, I don't know--and flying off. Birds, like dogs, don't sweat so their bodies have other mechanisms to dissipate heat. Because their beaks are bare, they transfer heat to the air easily--a hazard in winter, but helpful in summer. In fact, many birds in tropical areas, like toucans, have outlandishly large bills that help perform this function.

The mourning dove, sunning itself on the hot wood with one wing outstretched. I always imagined this was a cooling mechanism, the spread wing offering a bit of shade and air circulation around the dove's body, but a little digging seems to indicate it is probably sunbathing, maximizing exposure to the sun perhaps to help get rid of parasites in their feathers, or for vitamin D (like humans). 

And of course, like many of us birds enjoy taking a dip in the pool. Sometimes they will bathe vigorously, sometimes they (usually mourning doves) will just loaf around with their feet in the water. These hot, dry conditions can be dangerous for birds and other animals as natural puddles and ponds dry up; birdbaths not only provide an engaging glimpse into animal life and behavior for us humans but also a lifeline for animals facing harsh conditions. 

Baby hangs out in the shade while
dad hops off to get some seeds

When the sun beats down, a spot of shade can make all the difference. Trees, shrubs, and tall plants can help make yards shady havens in the vast swaths of open lawn and concrete (especially in newer neighborhoods with little trees!). Heck, even a birdbath can perform a double duty as a shady canopy.   

Whether you have a huge acreage or a small deck, you can make your place an oasis for wildlife. You don't need a luxury birdbath with all the trimmings; a simple pan of clean water will do. If it is deep or has slippery, sloping sides, a well-placed stone can help birds feel more secure as they investigate. A couple of potted plants for shade, and you've got yourself the start of a nice little summer habitat. 

Sources/additional reading:

• How Birds Keep Their Cool
• It s hot and sunny, so birds lie down and sunbathe
• Hot, Bothered, and Parasite-free: Why Birds Sun Themselves 
• How to Help Birds Beat the Heat