This summer has set new records for temperatures. In my part of Australia, a new record was set for a heatwave – several days in a row with temperatures around 45 to 46 degrees Celsius (113 – 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Other parts of Australia fared much worse, and a large part of the Australian continent is suffering drought conditions as they have had no rain for a couple of years.
During these days of extreme temperatures I spent time watching the birds enjoy cool water in the bird bath.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) – Enjoying a cool bath!
New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) – After their bath!
I must confess I had to delete many images which were blurred. These little birds move at incredible speed when bathing and as such many images were not good enough to use.
Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica) – Some after a cool drink were happy just to pose!
Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops) watching a House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) – Are you finished yet?
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Amazing that you can say the temperatures were 45-46 C in your area, yet other areas fared worse. I’m glad I live near the coast. I don’t know how you do it.
I must admit there were days I didn’t think I could stand it. On one occasion my wife and I found shelter in the local cinema which had air-conditioning.