France heatwave prompts bird rescue guidance from wildlife groups

During the recent summer heatwave in France, an increase in ground‑found swifts and other garden birds has led wildlife organisations to issue detailed rescue instructions. The Centres de Récupération d'Animaux Sauvages (CRAS) and the Italian League for Bird Protection (LIPU) advise gently moving injured birds to a safe, shaded spot, placing them in a ventilated cardboard box with a cloth at the bottom, and keeping them warm and away from traffic or pets.

The French Ornithological Protection League (LPO) adds practical tips for gardeners: provide shallow water dishes (3–4 cm deep) with a perch, locate them in shaded but open areas, and regularly refresh the water to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid feeding indiscriminately or handling immobile birds that are simply cooling themselves, as excess stress can be fatal. These measures aim to improve the survival chances of swifts, sparrows, blackbirds, robins, and other species during extreme temperatures.