WATER - A Necessary Resource for Wild Birds All Year
Posted: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
by Chris H
the Outdoor Nature Resource.com
Providing Water All Year
Have you ever noticed the glee that birds display as they spread their wings and splash in a bird bath? They ARE truly happy, not only because they have a source of drinking water, but also a place to clean their bodies and preen their wings. So...winter, summer, spring and fall...providing a water source is necessary to complete your bird habitat for the birds that you attract. It is a necessary compliment to any food nourishment that you offer. And doing so will provide additional assurance that your visitors will continue to return.
A bird bath is the most popular receptacle to provide the water source that birds seek. Make sure that the bird bath you provide is not too deep (2-3 inches on average). Your feathered friends like to stand in the water and splash to clean themselves and also to cool their bodies in hot weather. You may even decide to add a few flat rocks or an over-turned shallow dish in the bottom of your bird bath to be used as additional places for birds to stand, particularly if the bird bath is a touch deep. A bird bath is a gathering spot for the parasites, loose feathers, dust and other dirt and debris that accumulate over time as birds clean themselves. So in extremely hot weather particularly, be sure to clean the water regularly. If you do not, there is a risk of disease. Stagnant, warm water is notorious for prompting the formation of mildew and algae.
Circulation
Not only is moving water a fantastic attraction to birds, but circulating water can help to limit disease forming and subsequently spreading. Some options to consider to keep your bird bath water in motion...
- Many fountain bird baths provide a constant vertical spray of water which is irresistible. A fountain also offers a continuous source of fresh water and will continue water circulation at the same time.
- You may also place a "water wiggler" in your bird bath to provide circulation. West Nile virus, spread by mosquitoes, is another serious problem. But a water wiggler creates agitator action, providing continuous ripples in the water which prevents mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
- Pedestal - Pedestal bird baths come in numerous configurations and designs, but typically stand 2-4 feet above ground and feature a dish 2-3 inches deep. Material can be metal, ceramic, stone, granite or plastic.
- Dish or Saucer - You may use just a dish or saucer too without the pedestal. Place on a deck railing or bench for instance. The effect is the same.
- Heated/Non-Heated - Some bird baths are actually heated themselves. Or you can add a heater to the dish in freezing temperatures. Water wigglers are a terrific addition to any heated bath in winter.
- Solar - As the term implies, solar bird baths are powered by the sun's rays to power the fountain effect of the bird bath.
Support Staff - the Outdoor Nature Resource.com
Bird Baths from the Outdoor Nature Resource.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Chris,It is so much fun to see bird taken a bath. I am a bird lover and I built bird house of different sizes, to to make sure we have plenty of birds around our house.very interesting points in your article it is good to have this information Thank you.
Jose...I appreciate you taking the time to read this article and to post a comment as well. Yes, wild birds do enjoy their romps in a bird bath. as I mentioned, try to keep your bird going even during the winter. You will enjoy the activity and the birds will appreciate the water. I am glad that you have a house to provide also. Continue to enjoy!Chris
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