Summer's almost here and while humans find it tough to stay cool and hydrated, for birds this is even more so! This time, make a provision for your feathered pals with a birdbath — a small pond or basin, filled with water from which birds may drink or 'cool off.' "Bird baths are a great way of lending a helping hand to the birds in our city. In summer especially, they desperately need water. I love keeping bird-baths because I also get to see so many birds that I would otherwise not have seen, except on some tree-top, almost out of sight. Just about any shallow container can be converted into a bird-bath, providing the depression is not too deep, especially for sparrows who need something shallow. I have a natural rock one which slopes towards the centre and tiny birds like sparrows as well as big ones like Pariah Kites (Black Kites) all flock to it," says Sunita Mohan, a writer, who has two birdbaths at her home in Mumbai and encourages people to make them through her blog. "In summer, it's important to do this as birds like sparrows, bulbuls, mynahs and babblers are dying out in the city. It's important to do little things like this to save them."
Cities need these desperately
In a city where water, especially clean water is a precious commodity, keeping some aside for the birds is a boon for them. Nilesh Bhanage of an animal rescue organisation says he rescues "at least dozens of birds who suffer due to the heat, every summer." Of these, house crows, rock pigeons and black kites are the most affected. "Birds are, by and large, very delicate creatures, weighing just 100-200g and they cannot take hot weather, needing to have water several times a day and sometimes just taking a bath in water to cool off. And as these three birds (mentioned above) fly throughout the day, they get more tired and distressed." Our highly polluted cities add to their woes. "Due to the high level of carbon dioxide, depleting green cover and rising temperatures, there is greater humidity which causes the heat strokes, so having a water supply for them at hand in such time is crucial," he adds.
A water basin for animals too!
Ganesh Nayak of another organisation that saves animals and birds, says that life of a stray is very difficult and the harsh heat only makes it worse for them. He explains how a small step that building societies take, can add up to be a blessing for numerous stray animals and birds in the vicinity. "These bowls double up as feeding bowls for our local stray animal feeders. Once installed society members can request maintenance personnel to clean and refill the bowls frequently. To drive home to the point, we have some cement bowls ready, which we give out for free. All one needs to do is get a mason to install it in the area," he says.
Needed: a long-term answer
Atul Sathe, of a natural history society, says, while it's a good idea to have a birdbath that only works for the present and the larger solution is to create and maintain the natural habitat in the city. "We appreciate birdfeeders and the like; they are certainly useful but this is not sufficient. If you want birds in your area the primary thing is to have more trees; more of these need to be planted and that too, of the native variety."
The other thing, he states, is to have a good soil surface. "In the current state of affairs, most of the city is paved, which means there is little or no soil or insects. Cement also heats up the city. All this can drive the birds away. Thus, the existing need is a soil surface at any cost," he stresses.
Kinds of baths
-Use a sink or tray.
-You can also take a large terracotta saucer that you use for flower pots.
-A large stone bowl.
-Readymade bird bath.
Make your own bath
-Do not use shiny or glazed surfaces as these reflect sunlight and can scare away the birds. Terracotta dishes are better.
-Place the bath near plants, as that instills confidence in the bird to come nearer and they feel they can take shelter among the greenery when they want.
-Change the water regularly. Just a cup will do.
-If you're keeping a birdbath in a garden place it partially exposed to the sun as birds do not like the full glare of the sun. Also, it should be at a little height, so that cats can't reach it. If it is at home, keep it in a quieter area.
What to do when you see an exhausted bird
Advises Nilesh, "Don't hold it in your hand or pass it from hand to hand. Instead, put it in a cardboard box, which will help it to come out of shock. Keep a little water in a corner of the box. Do not feed it or force it to drink. Call an expert at rescues who will be able to cover it correctly with a wet cloth. Also call a vet who will administer medicine."
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