05/19/2026
Durham is feeling the heat this week! While *this* heat wave should be short-lived, summer is just getting started, and our wild neighbors could use a little extra help staying safe and hydrated.
A few simple ways to support local wildlife during hot weather:
💧 Put out fresh water. Birdbaths, shallow dishes, and small water stations can be lifesavers for birds, squirrels, pollinators, and other backyard visitors. Change water daily to keep it clean and mosquito-free, and add a few stones or marbles to shallow dishes to give bees and butterflies a safe place to land.
🌿 Create cool refuge spaces. Native plants, shrubs, brush piles, and shaded garden areas give wildlife places to rest and escape the midday sun.
🐾 Be mindful outdoors. Check under cars, around garden beds, and near outdoor equipment before mowing, moving pots, or starting yard work. Small animals often seek shelter in cool, hidden spots.
And one more reminder: if you see a bird or other wild animal resting quietly in the shade, it may simply be conserving energy during the hottest part of the day, not necessarily in distress.
Here’s to helping our outdoor neighbors stay safe through what is sure to be a long, hot North Carolina summer. ☀️🐦💙
