This week's heatwave has me thinking about all of the creatures that call these mountains home.
When we're thirsty, we walk into the kitchen and pour ourselves a glass of water. Wildlife doesn't have that luxury.
I've always kept fresh water outside for the birds and other visitors, not just during the summer, but all year long. In the winter, when my bird baths freeze solid, I've been known to pour boiling water over the ice after finding robins standing there, pecking away in search of a drink. It breaks my heart every time.
If you've followed me for a while, you probably already know I'm a full-blown bird nerd and nature nut. I make no apologies.
Robins have always been my favorite. There's just something about them that feels like home.
Today I decided to turn on the mister for a little while, mostly because the yard looked as hot and tired as I felt. Then something wonderful happened.
Birds started arriving from every direction.
I quietly watched from inside the house so I wouldn't scare them away. Before long, I counted ten Western bluebirds enjoying the cool mist and fresh water. Ten! I don't think I've ever seen that many in my yard at once. Then, as if that wasn't exciting enough for this bird nerd, a flock of house finches showed up. I haven't seen house finches in my yard at all this year, so their visit felt like a little gift.
Of course, they weren't alone.
The Steller's jays made their noisy entrance, the woodpeckers stopped by for a drink, mountain chickadees flitted through the trees, white-breasted nuthatches worked their way down the trunks, hummingbirds zipped past, and squirrels took advantage of the cool water, too. Every day seems to bring a different cast of characters.
Even the bees need water. They're among the hardest-working residents of these mountains, quietly pollinating the plants that support so much of the life around us. Butterflies, dragonflies, lizards, and countless other creatures all depend on water during our long, dry summers. Every one of them plays an important role in keeping this mountain ecosystem healthy.
If you decide to leave water out, a few simple habits make a big difference. Refresh it every day and give your bird bath or water dish a quick scrub regularly. Clean water helps prevent the spread of disease among birds and keeps mosquitoes from breeding where we all like to sit and enjoy the outdoors.
One thing I don't recommend is putting out food. It may seem helpful, but feeding wildlife can alter natural behavior, encourage dependence, spread disease, and attract animals into situations that aren't always safe. Fresh, clean water is one of the best ways to help while still allowing wildlife to remain wild.
Living in Idyllwild means sharing these mountains with an incredible variety of life. During a heatwave, something as simple as a shallow bowl of clean water or a gently running mister can make a world of difference.
And if you're lucky, you just might find yourself standing at the window, grinning like a kid while counting bluebirds.
I'd love to know who visits your yard. Do you have a favorite mountain bird or wild neighbor?
