(Joe Gardener, 2019) An example of a thirsty robin! Notice the open beak, drooped wings and ruffled feathers.
Small Acts of Conservation Kindness!
— by Shannon Hogan, May 1, 2023
It’s not a happy topic, but it is a reality. We find ourselves deep in the throes of a climate emergency and are experiencing severe weather events such as heat waves and droughts.
During the peak of the drought this past summer, I could grab my beach umbrella, beach basket and a large bottle of water to beat the heat down by the ocean, but I noticed that other creatures around me couldn’t beat the heat as I could. I saw many robins in my backyard that looked particularly thirsty, and heat exhausted. The robins perched in the shade of the aspens, and I could see their beaks wide open, panting. They were attempting to cool themselves down. Of course, my heart burst with sympathy. Although I couldn’t snap my fingers and quickly resolve the climate emergency, I knew I could help them in a smaller, more direct way. So, I put together a bird bath!
Bird baths are a great way to help birds cool down. Firstly, they provide a source of water. They also let them wash off any dust, debris or parasites clinging to them.
Want to learn more about helping birds in your backyard to beat the heat? Follow these links:
● https://www.audubon.org/news/how-help-birds-beat-heat
● https://celebrateurbanbirds.org/learn/gardening/providing-water-for-birds/
We would love to hear about and post your Small Acts of Conservation Kindness on your property! Please submit your short story and tell us something fun about your project by reaching out to us at: friendsofcortes@gmail.com.
We welcome everyone to take action with us and become a member, donate or volunteer with us!
— by Shannon Hogan
Photo (Joe Gardener, 2019) — An example of a thirsty robin! Notice the open beak, drooped wings and ruffled feathers.
