Help birds through the heatwave
The temperature has soared this weekend and the RSPB has asked people to help their local bird populations through the heat wave with a supply of clean, fresh water in a place safe from predators.
Birds need water not just to drink but also to bathe. Bathing is an essential part of their daily routine; it keeps their feathers clean and waterproof. Here is a completely charming video of birds bathing.
Video by collyersam
During last year’s drought, we posted about the need for clean, safe drinking water:
Southwick Country Park Nature Reserve 
We have a large pedestal bird bath which has been well used over the past few days by a variety of different birds. Sparrows also have several hollows in the border that are regularly used for dust bathing.
I love to watch birds bathe; I can never work out how they make such a splash.
How cute is that!