Beating the Heat

It's been a hot time in the old piedmont (we had our 9th 100F+ day today) and even the birds are feeling woozy. One sure sign is open beaks: and every bird except the House Finches seemed to have this look. Of course this is the primary means birds have to perspire, just like our dog friends. But they have other strategies, too, all which my property is prepared to enable. Thickly shaded spots can cut the temperature by a fair degree, and the occasional bird bath offers some evaporative cooling as well. On top of that I am recalling clever things birds do with their throat muscles and wing feathers that can reduce heat load. So all told, they can definitely take care of themselves during the dog days.