As our summers become hotter and drier, our garden birds face increasing challenges. The good news is that our gardens—no matter how big or small—can make a real difference. By providing food, fresh water, shade and shelter, we can help birds survive the extreme conditions that summer is now bringing.

Even the smallest garden or balcony can become a lifeline.

The most important thing we can provide is fresh water. Whether it’s a shallow bowl, a bird bath or a wildlife pond, water is essential for birds and other wildlife during hot weather. Don’t forget the insects too—they need a drink! Adding a stone, pebble or small log to your water source gives bees, butterflies and other insects a safe place to land while they drink.

Use fresh tap water and change it regularly to help prevent bacteria from building up. If possible, place it in a shaded spot so it stays cooler and doesn’t evaporate as quickly.

Providing food also helps. During hot, dry weather, natural food can become scarce, and birds have to use valuable energy searching for it. Offering food in your garden means they don’t have to travel as far, saving energy when they need it most.

Trees, shrubs and hedges are just as important. Many modern housing estates have very few trees or hedgerows, leaving little shelter for wildlife. A few small shrubs simply can’t replace what has been lost. Trees—even small ones—provide cooling shade, nesting sites and food for countless species. Hedges are far better for wildlife than solid fences, offering shelter for birds, homes for insects and cooler, shaded areas during the hottest days.

If you have the space, leaving a log pile is another simple way to help. It creates cool, damp hiding places for insects and offers birds somewhere shaded to rest.

So how do birds cope with the heat?

Heatwaves are dangerous for birds, but they have several clever ways of keeping cool—as long as they have access to water, food and shelter.

Panting – Birds can’t sweat, so like dogs they cool themselves by panting, breathing rapidly with their beaks open.

Holding their wings away from their bodies – You may have seen blackbirds doing this. It allows air to circulate around their bodies and helps release excess heat.

Resting during the hottest part of the day – Birds conserve energy by becoming quieter when temperatures peak. You’ll usually notice much more activity early in the morning and again in the evening when it’s cooler.

Bathing – A good splash in fresh water helps lower their body temperature and keeps their feathers in good condition.

Despite these adaptations, birds can still suffer from heat stress and even heatstroke. Young birds are particularly vulnerable, especially those still relying on their parents to feed them.

That’s why your garden can make such a difference.

We can’t change the weather, but we can choose to plant a tree, grow a hedge, leave a log pile, and provide fresh food and water. These are simple acts, but together they can save lives.

By making a little space for nature, you’re helping birds and other wildlife through the toughest days of summer.