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| The Backyard Corner |
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| ATTRACT BIRDS WITH WATER |
Birds need water, and not just for drinking purposes. Bathing is a necessity for birds, so they can keep their feathers clean and in top flying condition. If you don’t have a natural water source on your property, don’t worry because it's simple to attract birds to water by supplying a birdbath. Birdbaths can be as simple as a terra cotta plant tray laid on the ground with some water in it, or as elaborate as a bird pond with rocks and running water. In the stores you will see pedestal baths, ground baths, baths that attach to deck railing, heated baths, and so on. But if you’re on a budget, any shallow container that will hold water will do. |
| There are a few things to remember though when either purchasing a birdbath, or making a homemade one. Birds don’t like their water too deep, so whatever you do use for the bath, make sure it isn’t much over 2 1/2 inches in depth. They also prefer something that’s not slippery when they’re bathing, so a basin or bowl with a rough surface would be best. I’ve even used an old Teflon frying pan with the handle removed, and the surface roughed up with a steel wool pad, and the birds loved it. Some store bought birdbaths might be beautiful to look at, but if they’re made out of glass, smooth ceramic, or some other slick material, birds won’t like them nearly as much as you do. |
| Winter is another consideration when it comes to providing birds with water. Water is just as important to birds in the winter as it is in the summer. They will continue to bathe in winter if it’s not too cold, and need to have a fresh drinking supply. As natural water sources freeze up, your yard might become an important watering hole if you can keep some fresh water available. If you decide you’d like to do that, then you’ll need to purchase a good birdbath heater or heated birdbath. After the initial expense, they don’t cost much to run, and only come on when the temperature gets below freezing. |
| Whatever you do decide to use for a birdbath, PLEASE remember to keep it clean. Not only will old and dirty water promote disease, but it provides a perfect place for mosquitoes to breed in the summer. For more informaton on birdbaths: www.fifthdaycreations.com/articles/birdbath.asp |
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| All Photos by Nancy !! |