Letters - A little help for our avian friends

WE are now facing really hot weather. If we can't stand the heat, imagine how the birds in our gardens feel.
While birds do not sweat, bare skin on their faces and legs radiate body heat, and a higher respiration rate supports efficient panting. Many species can even control blood flow to their bills, which eases heat loss on hot days.
Water is the key to keeping birds cool, but a basic birdbath is only the first step. Ideally, water features should include movement created by a dripper, mister or fountain because splashing sounds and glittering reflections attract birds.
The sound of moving water like a stream or even water dripping into a basin or against a rock or foliage will attract birds. A mister device attached to a hose works wonders, it creates a fine spray that birds will either fly through to bathe in, or they will rub against the wet foliage. But remember to clean your birdbaths.
Lionel Perera
Port Dickson