Let's get down to the basics! I hear Julie Andrews singing, "Let's start at the very beginning! A very good place to start". Today I want to talk a little about something important that we all can do, that is cheap, and will not only help birds of all kinds, but will bring us visual gifts! Why whatever might she be referring to? If you guessed water, don't just pat yourself on the back, rub your belly and pat your head at the same time! I know, silly and takes way too much effort, but you know that most of you have tried it at some point. Haha!
There is much to say about water! Birds drink water and they bathe in water, both of which are imperative for survival. Birds must clean their feathers or it can effect their flying and mobility. For you fellow birders who have bird baths already, you may have seen birds looking like they are playing in the ice cold water during the winter, however, they are cleaning their feathers!
The main thing to remember about water is to keep it clean for the birds. I don't mean you have to clean it every day but it wouldn't hurt to check it every other day. If you are one that has a hard time remembering to do things or you know you are kind of lazy....shhhhh, I won't tell anyone, your secret is safe with me.....then you probably want to keep it simple...keep a small bird bath close to the house that doesn't require a garden hose. Keep it close to a grassy area or somewhere that you don't mind dumping it when it gets dirty. Try to remember that birds drink and bathe in the same water....need I say more? Wipe it down periodically as it will get a slimy feel to it on the bottom.
If you get a bigger plastic bird bath, make sure to put a broken piece of brick or something in the bath for the little birds to perch on. Sometimes the surface gets slippery and a brick helps, but make sure there is enough room for the birds to bathe without getting a concussion on the brick. The reason I am suggesting brick instead of rock is that I have noticed algae growing on the rock and also the water stays much cleaner now that I have brick. I am not a scientist but I do experiment! You do what works best for you!
Birds are resourceful and will drink out of and bathe in many different kinds of baths. If you like beautiful décor you can treat yourself to a sturdy but decorative cement bath or if you are on a budget, you can use a thick plastic drip pan that goes under a plant. However, it has to be a big one that is made for large plants and has a sturdy feel and rounded edges that birds can perch on. A great compromise are the shallow plastic bird baths sold at stores such as Wild Birds Unlimited. They have a whole range of baths to choose from if you like to shop!
Birds need water all year round! Even when it is below freezing they will take a bath in ice water if they can peck through the surface. If you see the water freezing in winter, break it up with an ice pick or screw driver or pour some hot water on it to allow for a little drinking water. For you over achievers, they make bird baths that stay heated which is so nice for the birds. Winter is very hard on birds! Lots of energy is expended trying to stay warm and so access to water is a gift! If they cannot clean their feathers, they cannot puff up properly to stay warm!!
We interrupt this blog for an announcement! In NO WAY is Wild Birds Unlimited asking me to mention them and I do not get kick backs etc. Although, wouldn't that be nice! Haha! I simply love the store and it has really changed how I experience the birds in my world, so you will hear me mention it frequently as a resource. Feel free to shop where ever you like!!!
Ok, so RECAP:
1.Birds need water to survive ALL YEAR ROUND!
2.Keep the water clean and even clean it periodically to remove the slimy feel on the bottom.
3.Birds will appreciate any form of a birdbath or drinking station.
4.Keep in mind size for bathing and safe edges to perch on for drinking.
(Don't use the thin clear plastic drip pans. The edges are too thin and the pan will tip over.)
Happy bird bath hunting or using something at home you already have! If you create something unique, post a comment and tell us about it! If you buy something at the store, share it with us!
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