Across the nation, it seems like summer can bring some stifling heat. When we are cooling off in our air conditioned spaces, it may make you wonder how local wildlife escape the heat?
The most common answer is that a lot of wildlife seek shelter during the middle of the day when the heat is the worst. Songbirds especially can often be seen feeding and moving during dawn and dusk when the weather has cooled off. Additionally you will see a lot of wildlife flocking to bodies of water. Just as us humans are making our ways to the beaches and lakes, so are our wildlife. In the Lowcountry summer is a good time to see water birds hanging around pond edges and wading through water to keep cool.
Some birds such as owls and doves cool off by fluttering. Fluttering is essentially an ability to pant and use breathing techniques to get excess heat to leave the bird’s body.
Snakes and reptiles are susceptible to the heat and are burrowing themselves or covering themselves in soil to escape the summer sun.
While we wouldn’t recommend it for personal use some birds use urohydrosis to stay cool. Species like storks and vultures use this technique by defecating onto their feet and legs to help regulate their temperature.
If you want to help your backyard wildlife stay cool this summer, consider leaving a bird bath out in your backyard. You can help keep the water safe for birds and mammals by following this Audubon bird bath guide.
Unfortunately, firefly populations have been decreasing in recent years, and 18 species are at risk of extinction in North America. Development, deforestation, pesticide usage, light pollution, and water pollution have put a damper on the magical light shows that can be seen across the globe.
How Can You Help?
-Spread the word!
-Set aside part of your landscaping to provide leaf litter and abandoned logs for firefly larvae.
-Avoid pesticide use for your lawns.
-Turn off outdoor lights at night.
-Get involved with a community science opportunity.
-If you want to help your backyard wildlife stay cool this summer, consider leaving a bird bath out in your backyard. You can help keep the water safe for birds and other wildlife species by following this Audubon bird bath guide.