Brits who have bird baths in their gardens have been told to use warm water in January to help these stunning garden creatures. Many Brits love to welcome birds into their gardens, and winter is a time when we need to make an extra effort to ensure that these beautiful animals are well looked after. January has already been off to a cold start, with many parts of the UK plunging well below freezing temperatures.

While some of us humans struggle with the cold, many birds do as well. Providing birds with water is a good thing to do throughout the year. Much like us, these creatures need water to stay hydrated and to clean themselves. In winter, this can be hard to come by for birds. This is because, when temperatures plummet to low levels, common water sources for birds, such as ponds and lakes, can freeze over, as can bird baths.

Gardeners' World has listed one task among its January gardening checklist that pertains to the welfare of garden birds. The experts recommend placing some warm water in bird baths to help these creatures in tough weather conditions.

"Top up bird baths with fresh water daily and melt ice with warm water on frosty days," they said. This helps to stop the water from freezing over, meaning the birds will have a source of water even as temperatures drop.

Not only do birds need water for hydration, but it is also essential for their feather health. While warm water is a good way to help stop bird baths from freezing over, there are a number of other options.

For example, an object such as a ball that would float in the water and cause ripples will keep the water moving, which will stop it from freezing.

Additionally, you can purchase electronically controlled heated bird baths, which keep the temperature just above freezing, but these can be quite pricey.

Direct sunlight is also a good way to help stop bird baths from freezing. So make sure to move your bird bath to the sunniest spot in your garden in January.