Warm weather has returned, so now’s the time to think of ways we can ensure our feathered friends have the water they need during the summer months. So many options, styles and additions to choose from.
You should start by having a good look at your outdoor space and see what you have room for. It can be as simple as adding a waterer which will invite the birds to stop by for a cool drink, or a spa bath complete with a bubbler/fountain combo. Nothing like a splash pad for the birds!
Bird baths come in a variety of styles and colours. You may be looking for one that will hang from a tree branch or bracket, garden varieties with short bases, deck mounted, table top, or the ever popular choice with a pedestal stand. Birds prefer a 1 1/2-2 inch depth of water to bathe in, so if you choose one that is deeper, you will need to place river rocks or a flat stone in the bottom to make it comfortable for smaller finches, chickadees and sparrows. If you have room for 2 bird baths, you could offer a deeper one for larger birds who like a lot of water to splash in such as robins, and a smaller shallow one for the little guys. Did you know that most birds prefer water being offered close to the ground. Why, you may ask? It’s because that’s where natural water sources are found. The garden style is a perfect choice for this.
Whether placed in the sun or shade, the avian crowd will appreciate clean water for many reasons. They not only need water to drink, but also to keep their feathers aligned properly and preened to rid their plumage from parasites. Refreshing the water on a regular basis is important. Make sure that old feathers and droppings are cleaned out daily. This will prevent the spread of diseases. To assist you with keeping the bath clean, you can add a capful of Songbird’s Essentials Bird Bath Protector. This will help prevent stains, mineral deposits, organic contamination and sludge. Make sure to start with a clean bird bath.
Have you seen adult birds taking seeds from the bird feeder and soaking them in the water before flying back to their nests? This is how they soften food for their nestlings.
By offering water, you may also see birds who don’t visit your feeders such as warblers, catbirds and brown thrashers. Birds are attracted to the sounds of moving water. You can provide this with the addition of a bubbler, fountain/bubbler combo, water wiggler or dripper. Hummingbirds are drawn to a dripper which enables them to dart in and out of the water. You may also see them having a ‘leaf bath’ after the rain.
Whichever model of bird bath you choose, the birds will welcome it as a respite from the heat of the day.
Happy Bird Bath Shopping!
Jane Paradis
Brand Ambassador
Urban Nature Store
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