How this summer’s heatwaves are affecting breeding birds

Seabirds such as the puffin are already being negatively affected by the climate crisis, according to the BTO. Photograph: Katie Nethercoat/RSPB/PA

To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, while one heatwave looks like chance, two – in one month – suggests something more serious is going on.

This summer’s heatwaves across southern Britain and much of continental Europe have had a mixed effect on breeding birds. Warm, sunny days allow them plenty of time to feed and reduce the risk of their chicks dying in the nest because of spells of cold, wet and windy weather.