Here in the southeastern U.S, we’re all feeling the effects of the drought, but we can spare a little bit to make our birds pleased. Here are some ideas for attracting birds with out running up the water bill.
There is no greater way to get birds flocking to your yard than a very good source of fresh water. A bird’s want for water via every season of the year is so powerful that even species you in no way expected will be attracted to a strategically placed water source.
Having a birdbath is an benefit to any individual who enjoys observing nature in general and bird behavior in particular.
Location, Location, Location. The most natural spot for a bath is close to the ground, but water at greater levels not only appeals to some species, it reduces the bird’s exposure to cat attacks. Soaking wet birds are no match for feline agility. Putting a birdbath near trees improves security against raptors. Plus, branches are an effortlessly reached perch from which to preen in safety.
Find your bath in a shady component of your yard. This will maintain the water at a cooler, much more refreshing temperature in hot weather.
To get birds accustomed to the bath, try placing a feeder inside five feet of the bath. Birds will notice the water as they go to the feeder.
Birdbath water need to be changed each few days to insure a fresh, clear supply. Birds – excluding pelicans – do not like deep water. 1 inch to 1.25 inches deep is about the maximum. This depth makes it possible for the bird to stand in the water and splash about – and not tread water!
Add motion. Motion on the water’s surface or the noise of falling water is like a magnet to the birds. Drippers, misters, and small pump-driven fountains that keep the water moving have the added benefit of preventing mosquito eggs from hatching. Hummingbirds really like to zip by way of the mist developed by a mister. Besides hummers zipping through the mist you can attract warblers (who don’t normally check out feeders) and numerous other birds to stop by for a refreshing “leaf bath.” Watch how they use the wet leaves as a “wash cloth.”
How do birds drink? Most birds, like Cardinals, dip their bills and then tip their heads back to let the water run down their throats. Doves and Pigeons drink by immersing their bills and sucking up the water. Not all birds need to have to drink water. Hummingbirds, for example, have a largely liquid diet anyway, so they don’t drink from birdbaths. But they do get pleasure from “playing” in the water. Birds that usually inhabit areas with arid conditions can go for long periods of time without drinking.
Water in Winter. Birds want water all year round, especially in winter, when many of their normal sources are frozen. About 70% of a bird’s non-fat body tissue is water that needs to be maintained to avoid dehydration. Birds find some water in natural food sources: insects, berries, and even snow, but when those supplies dwindle, the water YOU supply is even far more vital.
Open water in freezing weather will attract as many or far more birds as a well-stocked feeder. Birds also use water to maintain themselves warmer in winter. By cleaning their feathers and grooming them with natural oils, birds are able to support insulate their bodies for the cold.
You can maintain water thawed with a submersible heater placed directly in the water. It’s economical and secure, as long as you use a high-quality, outdoor extension cord to plug the heater into an electrical source. The greatest submersible heaters are thermostatically controlled, so they only operate when the water is near freezing.
In winter, use a rough-surfaced, plastic pan or saucer for a birdbath since ceramic and concrete 1, although fine for summer use, will crack effortlessly in frigid weather.
Keeping a birdbath supplied with fresh water is one of the simplest and most effective way of attracting several varieties of birds to your yard – year round!