Is offering water really helpful to birds?
Depending upon the climate in which you live, Summer heat can cause water sources to become scarce. Winter cold can cause water sources to freeze. Your birdbath can provide a consistent source of essential water. By setting out a birdbath, you will increase the number of birds that visit your yard and increase your enjoyment of your feathered friends!
Where should I place a birdbath?
Birds are always surveying their surroundings, and they want to feel comfortable. If you place your birdbath in full sun, algae can thrive and water can become overly warm. If you place your birdbath in pure shade, the trees, shrubs, and whatever else is providing the shade could also be providing a hiding place for cats and other predators. For those reasons, a semi-shaded location is best for your birdbath. With the birdbath in a semi-shaded location, algae will not grow as quickly, water will stay at a somewhat consistent temperature, birds will have a clear view of what is going on around them, and birds will have nearby cover to retreat to should danger arise…they’ll be comfortable! Having natural food sources or birdfeeders nearby will make it easier for birds to find your bath and will, therefore, increase the activity at your birdbath; but be sure that the bath is not so close to feeders that you end up with birdseed in the water!
What type of birdbath should I buy?
Where you want to place the birdbath will determine what type of birdbath you buy. To place the birdbath where you want it, does it need to be hung, mounted on a deck rail or wall, perched on a pedestal, or nestled into the ground? Based on your answer, you can have fun choosing from a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials! Keep in mind that small birdbaths will limit the size and number of birds that can visit while large birdbaths will draw a wider variety of birds. “Large,” however, does not mean “deep.” Birdbaths that are too deep will more than likely be used by birds sipping water from the edges of the birdbath rather than bathing. A 1-1/2” water depth is ideal for both drinking and bathing birds. All birdbaths, regardless of materials, will require cleaning. I have not found the cleaning of any one material to be so extremely different than another as to choose a birdbath based on material; therefore, which material to choose is mainly dependent on appearance. Choose the one you love!
"The Grand Suite"
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Birdbath FAQ
Butterflies are self-propelled flowers.
- R. H. Heinlein
How often should I clean my birdbath?
It is important that the water in your birdbath remains clean and fresh! How often you clean your birdbath is dependent upon the presence of algae and the amount of debris (twigs, leaves, feathers, droppings, etc.) in the water. Many factors play a role, such as how much sun your birdbath receives, how many birds use your birdbath, and how fast debris accumulates in your birdbath. You can decrease algae growth by keeping your bath out of full sun; frequently changing the water; and by adding non-toxic, natural enzymes that safely break down organic contaminants. A visual inspection of your birdbath on a daily basis will tell you when it is time to perform a thorough cleaning; and a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water, a stiff-bristle brush, and a little elbow grease will make short work of the task. After scrubbing, rinse, rinse again, and then refill your birdbath with clean, fresh water. Remember, the more often you clean your birdbath, the easier cleaning it will be!
How can I provide water for birds in Winter?
Heated birdbaths and birdbath de-icers are available! Heated birdbaths contain a built-in heating element. Birdbath de-icers are heating elements that rest in a non-heated birdbath; and most can be used in all types of birdbaths (pottery, concrete, plastic, etc.) Both a heated birdbath and a birdbath de-icer will prevent the water from completely freezing over by means of a thermostatically-controlled element that operates only when necessary, thereby conserving energy. Solar-powered heated birdbaths are also available.
What are drippers, misters, and water wigglers?
Birds love moving water! Drippers, misters, and water wigglers add movement to your birdbath water. Drippers and misters work in much the same manner. They clip on or rest in your birdbath and are fitted with tubing and a regulator valve that attaches to an outdoor faucet with a y-valve. Water flow is adjusted with the regulator valve to create the desired drip or mist. A water wiggler is a bit different. It rests in your birdbath and, powered by two d-cell batteries, spins to create ripples in the water. I’ve found that the two d-cell batteries provide about three months of around-the-clock use. By keeping the water moving in your birdbath, you will not only attract more birds, you will prevent mosquitos from laying their eggs in the water!
Our gloriously-scented butterfly bush draws many butterflies, including the Great-spangled Fritillary.
311 Freeport Road
Blawnox, PA 15238
Phone 412-828-5393
Fax 412-828-5394
LetsTalkBirds@aol.com
10:30AM - 4:30PM
Tuesday - Saturday
& By Appointment
Website designed & hosted by The Songbird Sanctuary LLC 2008
©
Yes! Birds need a clean water source for drinking and bathing year-round.
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