Météo France has decided to keep 13 departments on orange alert because of the heat wave which is expected to hit the south-east of France. The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Hautes-Alpes, the Alpes-Maritimes, the Ardèche, the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Drôme, the Gard, the Hérault, the Isère, the Haute-Savoie, the Savoie, Vaucluse and Var are affected by this orange vigilance.
If we already know some tips to keep your home cool, and avoid suffering too much during this period, our animal friends will also have to deal with this heat wave. We think of dogs and cats, but the wild birds that fly in our cities and countryside also suffer from these high temperatures. To help small wildlife, the LPO has given some useful tips that everyone can adopt.
First of all, providing a water point for small birds is a simple gesture to adopt but which can save a lot of them. Whether in a garden, on a balcony or on a window sill, everyone can do it. It is best to install one or more shallow containers (3 to 4 cm) filled with water, in the shade. It is important to remember to change the water regularly to keep the temperature moderate and prevent the spread of disease. It’s best to place these containers on the ground when in a garden, so hedgehogs or squirrels can enjoy them too.
This trick is easy to perform and very effective in the short term. If you have a garden, you can prepare a real oasis during heat waves that will last over time, knowing that these episodes will be more and more frequent. For this, planting small shrubs or hedges will be very appreciated by birds and other small animals. They will provide shade and cool hiding places. Same for tall grass. While it is more pleasant to have a well-mowed lawn for the summer, tall grass maintains a high level of humidity on the ground. It is more pleasant for birds and small animals to take refuge there in case of high temperatures.
Finally, if the terrain allows it, creating a small natural pond is a great idea. It provides a cool and humid area where many animals, like birds, can quench their thirst. If you find a bird in trouble, it is best to contact a professional or the LPO immediately. Here is the list of care centers.
