Beat the Heat: Providing Water for Wildlife in Your Garden

As the summer sun blazes and temperatures soar to unprecedented heights, it's not just people that are feeling the heat.

Wildlife in our gardens, parks, and natural spaces are also struggling to stay cool and hydrated. During these sweltering months, providing water sources for wildlife in your garden is certainly a compassionate act, but also an essential one. By taking a few simple steps, you can make an impact on the survival of local wildlife species and get certified as a Certified Wildlife Habitat® in the process.

In the first week of July alone, all-time temperature records were tied or broken at over 40 weather stations across the country. More than 160 million Americans were under some sort of heat alert during the second week of July.

Why Water Matters for Wildlife

An Eastern Bluebird splashing in a birdbath. Photo credit: Angela Sanchez

While we are hyper-aware of how unbearable excessive heat can be for us, it's crucial to consider how dangerous this can be for wildlife as well. Not only do animals need water for drinking, but many also need it for bathing and cooling down. By providing easily accessible water sources, you can offer a lifeline to birds, butterflies, mammals, and other wildlife in your garden.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to provide water is by setting up a birdbath. Place it in a shaded area to keep the water cool and prevent rapid evaporation. Adding a few stones for perching and taking time to clean and refill the birdbath every few days will ensure fresh water and prevent the spread of diseases. This simple act can also help eliminate mosquito eggs and larvae, making it a win-win for both wildlife and your garden environment.

Easy and Effective Ways to Provide Water

Another easy solution is to place small water dishes on the ground. These can serve a variety of creatures, from birds and mammals to insects. Use shallow, wide dishes, and consider recycling old pots, pans, or plastic containers. Adding gravel or stones at the bottom provides stability for smaller creatures. Placing some of these dishes in shady spots will keep the water cooler for longer periods. Regularly cleaning and refilling these dishes is key to maintaining a fresh and safe water supply.

For those looking to attract butterflies, creating a butterfly puddling area is a great option. Simply fill a shallow dish with soil or sand, add a few rocks for perching, and pour in enough water to moisten the soil. Butterflies will flock to these spots, enjoying the minerals and moisture.

Adding rocks to the bird bath can provide perching spots and easier access for smaller birds. Photo credit: David Mizejewski

Drippers and misters can also be a fantastic addition to your garden. Hanging a drip jug over your birdbath can attract birds with the sound of dripping water. You can easily make one using a plastic milk jug with a tiny hole in the bottom and filling it with water. Water will slowly drip out, and the sound will draw birds looking for a cool bath and a refreshing drink.

Lastly, don't forget to give your native plants an extra watering during these hot summer months. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and provide essential resources for wildlife. However, even these resilient plants can struggle with prolonged heat and drought. A little extra water can help them thrive, ensuring they continue to offer food and shelter for local wildlife.

Water: The Cornerstone of Successful Wildlife Habitats

An American Goldfinch sipping on water. Photo credit: Jean Kohut

Make this summer a little easier for our wildlife friends by providing the essential resource of water. Plus, gardens that offer food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young can become Certified Wildlife Habitats. By implementing just one of these elements, you could already be a quarter of the way to achieving certification!

By taking these simple steps, you can create a haven for wildlife in your garden, helping them survive the heat while enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your outdoor space.

Garden for Wildlife - Join the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife and Certified Wildlife Habitat® movement!

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