Remaining hydrated is essential for survival and our garden birds make the most of every opportunity to keep topped-up with fluids, obtaining water from two key sources:
Drinking
Birds are extremely resilient and will drink from ponds, puddles, streams, bird baths and even make the most of water droplets found on leaves. During hot weather, a clean, shallow bird bath or dish, can quickly become one of the most important resources in the garden.
In the early morning, birds often take advantage of dew on grass and leaves, and after rain when they can drink from small pools of water that has collected on foliage and hard surfaces.
Bathing is also extremely important to birds and is just as essential as drinking. Birds use water to keep their feathers clean and in good condition. Healthy feathers provide insulation, waterproofing and support efficient flight. After bathing, you will often see birds perched in a shrub carefully preening to realign and waterproof their feathers.
How to help birds access water
You can support your garden birds by providing a bird bath or dish filled with water which you should replenish daily. Place a few stones or pebbles in the water so that small birds can stand and drink in safety. Place it near cover, such as shrubs, so that birds can escape quickly if predators are nearby.
Water drinkers also make a great addition to the garden, helping to keep birds topped up with fluids. Simply fill and hang from a feeding station or branch. As with all equipment, the drinker should be cleaned on a regular basis to help prevent the spread of disease.
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Eating
Many foods contain water with birds such as blackbirds, robins, thrushes and starlings obtaining moisture from earthworms and insects. Others will get a hydration boost from tucking into juicy berries and fruits, particularly from late summer though to winter when insects become less abundant.
Key benefits of feeding berries include:
Natural sugars for quick energy needed by birds during cold weather and migration.
High water content which helps birds to stay hydrated.
Vitamins and antioxidants to support overall health and maintain immune systems.
Winter food source when nature’s larder is beginning to run low.
Berry best food for birds
Some of the very best berry-producing plants for wildlife-friendly gardens include:
Cotoneaster
Pyracantha (firethorn)
Elder
Dog rose (rose hips)
Ivy (its berries ripen late and are particularly valuable in winter)
Holly
Rowan
Hawthorn
Birds will often leave certain berries until they have softened after frost or until sweeter fruits have been eaten. For blackbirds, in particular, berries are a crucial autumn and winter food, while they plump for worms and insects during spring and summer.