Providing Water in the Winter
Is water necessary for birds in the winter? Yes, absolutely! Life can be harsh when it's really cold outside.
If necessary, birds can convert snow to water if creeks and ponds are frozen. But think about it ... the energy needed to convert snow uses up the energy badly needed to stay warm. As far as the need for water goes, providing unfrozen water in Bird Baths is a great way to help winter birds.
The Winter Bird Bath
There are several ways to keep water available to wintering birds:
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Refill your Bird Baths with warm water to thaw ice.
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Some Solar bird baths have a covered, insulated, solar-heated bowl that keeps water from freezing down to 20 degrees. These baths must be kept in the sun. Birds are able to drink, not bathe, through a hole in the cover.
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There are a variety of heaters available for Bird Baths. They are either immersion-types or Bird Baths with a heating coil built into the base. Most of these Bird Baths have a thermostat turn-off in case the bath runs dry or gets tipped over.
Where Should a Bird Bath Be Placed?
The most natural placement is close to the ground. But that might not be the most ideal spot if the threat of cat attacks are a concern. A wet bird is no match for a stalking cat or predatory hawk. Locating your Bird Bath under trees or a patio roof is a security measure if you have predators in your neighborhood. An elevated water source, such as a pedestal-bsed bird bath, is actually preferred by some species.
There are a couple of points to keep in mind when choosing the best place for your bird bath. It should be located far enough away from plant cover for the birds to see approaching danger, but close enough to seek refuge. Keeping these points in mind will allow the birds to bathe and preen their feathers in safety.
It is also recommended to place the Bird Bath away from feeders.
What Type of Bird Bath
is the Right One For You?
Introducing any of the following water sources to your backyard creates an interesting focal point that will benefit both you and the birds.
Bird Baths
There are many styles of bird baths to choose from to match any budget. There are hanging baths, standing and ground baths, and deck-mounted bird baths. They also come in a variety of materials; i.e. plastic, metal, terra cotta and stone. Artistically-designed Bird Baths are particularly attractive.
Choose a Bird Bath that has a source for moving water. The combination of moving water and the sound it makes will draw birds like a magnet. There is little doubt that a bubbling Bird Bath will provide you as much pleasure as it does the birds. Many Bird Baths are now manufactured with a drip system, bubbling water, or misting sprays that keep the water moving.
If you have a lawn irrigation system it can be connected to a bird bath for continuous water flow. Run a line with a spray emitter from drip system to the Bird Bath. Every time the irrigation system turns on fresh water will flush out the bath and refill it.
You can simply create moving water yourself. Just hang a large plastic bottle, old bucket, etc. over the bird bath after putting a pin size hole in the bottom. The drip (ideally, about 2 drops per second) will keep the water moving. If you're using an open container to hold your dripping water be sure to place a lid over it to reduce water outflow.
A nice advantage of a Bird Bath vs. other water sources is it's mobility -- you can test the best placement.
Fountains
One reason to consider adding a small pump-driven fountain to your birdscape is its aesthetic appeal. The pump, of course, will create the water movement. With the large choice of styles it is easy to find the "look" you'll love. To adjust the depth so it is shallow enough for birds to bathe, place various size rocks in the fountain for birds to stand on.
Ponds
If your backyard can accommodate a larger water environment consider a recirculating pond. What's needed? Just a hole in the ground, a plastic pond liner, and a water pump. Adding rocks, water plants and landscaping the perimeter will make it look very natural.
Affordable do-it-yourself kits are available. Here are two versitile pond kits to choose from -- single-level or a two-level cascade. Your man-made pond will extend a very special welcome to your feathered visitors making them feel safer it the "natural" environment. In fact, what they will feel ... is right at home!
Water Depth
If you create various depths in your water environment more birds will come. As stated earlier using rocks to vary the depth of the water is easy to do. Rocks not only provide a natural look but offer a non-slippery surface. It is the best method to meet the needs of different species. We like to use rocks that gently slope into the water so the birds can find their own comfort level to bathe.
Whatever your space permits, providing water in your bird-friendly yard is essential. The birds won't care if it is elaborate or simple ... they just want a reliable water source all year long.
Care and Maintenance of Bird Baths
Keep your Bird Bath clean. Don't let your Bird Bath or other water environment become fouled with leaves, feathers or just plain old dirt and debris. Clean it regularly with a blast from a garden hose. If more attention is needed scrub with a stiff brush before refilling with clean water.
Enjoying Nature!
Learning about nature is a life-long journey. Our goal is to exist in
harmony with nature and help others discover and enjoy the nature that
exists in our backyards. We invite you to join us.
