WILDLIFE organisations have issued a reminder about the impact
of recent hot waves on native birds. With sweltering conditions,
and temperatures in the 40s predicted again over the coming
weeks, head of research at Bird Life Australia James O’Connor is
encouraging people to fill their birdbaths and leave water out.
Mr O’Connor said over the past few weeks, thousands of native
birds had felt the effects of the heat wave, both in the city
and in the country. “Hot weather always takes its toll, but if
it only lasts for a day or two, birds can usually survive until
the weather cools down again,” he said. “However, when it’s hot
for day after day, like the rest of us they start to feel the
effects.” He said, like everyone else, birds needed to drink
lots of water and shelter from the heat during the hot weather.
“Unlike the rest of us, they can’t turn on a tap for some cold
water, or switch on an air-conditioner to cool down,” he said.
“Just a few months ago, wetlands were brimming with water, but
now many are jus