When summer arrives in India, the heat can be unbearable—not just for us, but also for the birds around us. With less water and shade, they struggle to survive. I have always loved watching birds fly freely, chirping happily in the mornings. So every summer, I make it a point to do my bit to help them. To raise awareness and inspire kindness, Helplocal curates 10 thoughtful ways that every Indian family can follow to help birds during the summer season.
These easy ways to help birds can be practiced in homes, schools, and even workplaces, requiring nothing more than a little space, time, and compassion. Let’s start with the 10 easy and thoughtful ways to help birds in summer.
10 Ideas to Help Birds in Summer
1. Keep a Bowl of Water Outside
This is the most important thing you can do. Just keep a clay or steel bowl filled with fresh water on your balcony, terrace, or garden. Place it in a shaded spot, and remember to clean and refill it daily.
I do this every year, and watching little birds come and sip water is such a joy. It makes me feel like I am giving them a small place to rest in the heat.
2. Add Some Bird Food Too
Apart from water, birds also need food, especially in summer when it gets harder for them to find it. You can keep grains like bajra, rice, or bird seeds in a small bowl or feeder.
You do not need anything fancy—I have made bird feeders from old plastic bottles and coconut shells. Get your kids together for this fun activity!
Here’s how to make a bird feeder at home:
3. Make It Safe with Pebbles
If your water bowl is deep, add some pebbles or stones so that small birds can stand on them while drinking. This makes it safer for them and prevents accidents. A thoughtful way to help birds do better during summer heat.
4. Grow Plants and Small Trees
If you have some space, grow plants or even a few small trees. Birds love green spaces—they give shade, shelter, and sometimes even food. Plants like hibiscus or tulsi attract birds, and are easy to grow, too. This is another easy way to help birds during brutal Indian summers.
5. Avoid Using Chemicals
Many people spray pesticides in their gardens to keep their veggies healthy and insects away, but these can harm birds when they eat bugs or sit on the leaves. Try using natural ways to keep your garden pest-free.
It is better for the birds and better for us, too.
6. Set Up a Simple Bird Bath
Birds love to cool off just like we do. You can create a shallow bird bath using a tray or plate. Make sure it is not too deep, and place a few stones in it. Watching birds splash around is honestly the cutest thing.
7. Help Injured or Tired Birds
Sometimes, birds get too weak because of the heat. If you see a bird lying still, gently move it to the shade and offer some water. If it does not recover, call a local bird rescue center. Many amazing NGOs help birds during the summer. So can you!
8. Tell Others and Spread Awareness
One simple way to create change is by sharing what you’re doing. Post a picture of your water bowl or feeder on Instagram or WhatsApp stories. Use hashtags like #HelpBirdsInSummer— you never know who you might inspire and join your mission to save the little creatures.
9. Involve Kids and Family
Helping birds can become a fun family habit. Involve kids in filling water bowls or choosing grains for feeders. It teaches them to love nature and care for animals from a young age. This will go a long way in saving the birds during summer months.
Not sure what to feed a bird? Here’s the list of foods they love
10. Support Bird Rescue Organizations
Many organizations work hard to save and treat birds, especially during summer and kite festivals. If you can, donate a little or volunteer with them. Visit our homepage to discover NGOs that are doing amazing work for birds and small animals. If you don’t have money to donate, you can also choose to send some supplies. Every little bit helps in saving the birds!
“Even small efforts can bring big relief to birds during the hot summer months”.
How to Help Birds During Summers: Final Thoughts
Helping birds in summer is something close to my heart. I feel so happy knowing that the water and food I put out might be saving a life. And the best part? Anyone can do this—from a student like me to a family living in an apartment. Let us all take a small step this summer to care for the birds around us. It does not cost anything, but it means everything to them.
This blog about helping birds aims to encourage individuals, families, schools, and communities to take action. For those who want to do more, supporting animal rescue NGOs through donations or volunteering is also a meaningful way to help.
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