lirralirra

It reached 43 degrees Celsius here today, that’s 110 degrees Fahrenheit – and the birds suffered.

New Holland Honeyeater

I have three birdbaths clustered among shrubs and small trees; two are shallow while the third is deeper with rocks in it to ensure that small birds are able climb out when they’re wet. This week’s images were taken a while ago. This morning I turned the hose onto a drip and then closed the spray so tightly that it sent a small, fine spray into one of the baths – the birds loved it and I loved watching them.

Red-browed Finch

There was constant activity at the baths today. I noted seventeen species, often several species shared the water at the same time while others sat among the foliage waiting their turn. Heat stressed birds held their bills open, panting to try to cool themselves.

Superb Fairy-wren

I saw a pair of Eastern Spinebills fighting, rolling on the ground as they squabbled. I have seen Superb Fairy-wrens fighting over territory so presumed the spinebills were also being territorial. It was awful to see them wasting energy in such heat. A Grey Fantail was flying across the grass towards the water when it fell out of the sky, landing on its back. After a few moments it recovered enough to continue its journey.

Fantails and Golden Whistlers are nesting here at the moment. Adults of both species bathed frequently and I hope they used their wet feathers to cool their nestlings.

Providing water for our wildlife makes a huge difference to their wellbeing. I was transfixed as I watched them today. I chose not to photograph the birds in the heat as I didn’t want to risk disturbing them, it was probably a good decision for me too.

Happy birding

Kim

NB further information regarding birdbaths and hot weather can be found at: Water birds and waterbirds

PS I forget to mention that a selection of my images can still be seen at The Chosen Bean, Mountain Gate, Ferntree Gully until the end of the month

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