Splish Splash: Even Owls Love a Summer Bath (And All Birds Need Water in Hot Weather)

Like all birds, this Barred Owl needed cool water on a hot day. It found it in the Burkes’ birdbath in Fairfield. Do your local birds a favor by providing fresh water for them. Photo courtesy of Ralph Burke.

August 4, 2025 — You might never see a better reminder that birds need cool water on hot days than a photo of a Barred Owl visiting a birdbath.

The particular owl splashed around in Eleanor and Ralph Burke’s backyard in Fairfield during a recent hot spell.

Ralph saw it from the house and took a handful of photos with his phone. Eleanor emailed them to us and they provided a good excuse (not that we needed one) to refresh this information about birds and water from last summer.

Birds need cool water on hot days as much as you do. They drink it, splash in it, and bathe in it.

Water helps regulate their body temperature and keeps them hydrated. Bathing wets their feathers and helps them cool off through evaporation. Water is crucial for their survival, and natural sources may dry up in hot weather.

A traditional birdbath will do but birds are not particular, and a shallow dish will serve just as well (most birds prefer not to wade into deep water).

Follow these tips:

• Change the water daily to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.
• Place the water source in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight, to keep it cooler and prevent evaporation.
• If you can, offer multiple water sources at different heights and locations to cater to various bird species.
• Consider adding a dripper, mister, or fountain. The sight and sound of moving water will bring in more birds.
• If you can, locate the water near cover such as thick shrubbery to avoid unnecessary exposure to predators.