Wings & Water

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

Water is a very important element to add to your backyard habitat. Birds need water not only for drinking and bathing but also for many other reasons. Adding water to your backyard helps to attract birds of different species. Birds do not drink a large amount of water, but they do drink some and need good sources all year long. Birds also require water for grooming--to keep feathers in top flight condition, so important for the ability to fly efficiently and to evade predators. Birds also find relief in water during periods of molting. A non-scientific reason for birds to take advantage of water may simply be that they enjoy it.

Lots of birds begin to bathe by lowering their breasts into the water. Next, they dunk their wings and splash water over their backs and sometimes submerge their tails. Other birds, especially the flycatcher, will skip through the bath. Hummingbirds often bathe in flight by skimming over the water. While some birds don't mind sharing a bath, others do prefer privacy. Parents may bring their young birds to bathe and a crowd will often attract others. Some birds will patiently wait while a bath is in use and others will dive-bomb the bathers to get a spot.

Remember that birds using mud to build their nests will certainly use your water source. Birds also need water to digest their food. Birds do not sweat but they do lose body moisture through respiration and through their droppings so water is very important in keeping them hydrated through the long dry summer months and during the long cold winters when there is no unfrozen water available. Of course bathing is a necessary activity since clean feathers will help to keep them insulated sufficiently.

Most of us think of a concrete pedestal and basin when the word birdbath is mentioned. Although pretty in your yard they are hard to clean, and may crack in the winter if left out. A lot of the newer baths are made of resin and are easy to clean. Duncraft carries a variety of cleaners to help make that task even easier. For a thorough cleaning, pour a mild vinegar solution (4 parts water to one part vinegar) into the bath and let it soak for 15 minutes. Take care to cover the bath while the solution is soaking so the birds won't get into it. Scrub the bath with a brush, rinse well and refill with fresh water.

A bath should be no more than 3 inches deep. If your birdbath is more than the 3 inches deep you should add sand, a large stone to the middle, or smaller Birdbath Fillers. This will allow the birds to bathe easily and also drink without the worry of slipping into the water.

Moving water can be a bird magnet! Adding a mister or dripper  to your bath is a popular and practical way to attract the birds to the water. If the birds hear the dripping water they are sure to come investigate. Many little birds such as the chickadee will drink directly from the dripper while others like the Robin will enjoy cooling themselves in a fine mist from the mister.

Having water available just might be the most effective way to attract birds to your backyard. Make sure you put your bath in an appropriate spot for the safety of all your feathered friends. Place the bath near a tree or bush so there is easy access to cover by chance a predator approaches.

These tips should allow you to have a great time watching the birds and the birds a great time enjoying the water. Have Fun!

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

• Posted at Friday, April 11, 2008 01:18 PM
• In Wild Bird Feeding Category | Permalink