Hot days are the norm for this time of year and it is important not to forget that the local wildlife are just as affected by the heat as we are. To help your local wildlife you can put water around your property to keep them hydrated in the hot weather. It can save their lives.
‘Place water containers high up in trees for birds so that they don’t become prey,’ said Muriel Kinson from WIRES.
Shallow dishes of water placed near trees and bushes so that animals have a chance to escape if a predator appears as well as remembering to put the water in the shade all helps. ‘If you have a large or deep container of water make sure you put a stick in it in case some of the smaller animals fall in,’ continued Kinson. ‘It gives them a chance to get out.’
Remember to place the water away from the house and areas of high human use as you don’t want to draw the animals into your living areas or onto your verandah.
If you are interested in getting involved in WIRES or learning more about wildlife rescue get involve in the next WIRES training coming in February. You can call the hotline on 6628 1898 for more information.
Water is a basic necessity for birds and animals. This is great to see WIRES write up a comment in a news edition. Yes it’s really a heat wave. Put some shallow water dishes out for the birds and animals. Change the water daily to help prevent the spread of disease.
Seed eating birds are likely to pick up disease from permanently set up feed dishes. They are not a good option if you care about these species.
Keep an eye out for water birds such as Pelicans Gulls and others. They become sick with botulism as oxygen is depleted in water areas with vegetation disintegrating in the heat and water evaporating. Birds with botulism lose their ability to function – legs wings and finally as necks lose ability to stay upright – the bird may drown.
If you are out in a boat – watch for any birds in trouble. You will recognise a sick bird such as a Pelican. It will float around but will be unable to fly or escape predators. It takes only 36 hours until the onset of death if a bird becomes affected.