Conservation organisations in Thuringia are urging residents to set up water stations for wild birds as temperatures across the German state remain above 30 degrees Celsius in the coming days, according to the German Weather Service.
The state chapter of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (Nabu) says birds cannot sweat and depend on accessible water during heatwaves. Tino Sauer, a bird expert with the state association, advised that containers should have a rough base to give birds adequate grip. A depth of two to ten centimetres with shallow, slightly textured edges is considered ideal.
Hygiene is critical. Nabu recommends changing the water daily and scrubbing containers with a brush and boiling water to prevent disease. The state foundation advises refreshing water up to twice a day to eliminate infection risks.