Just like humans, the need for water is important for words. Birds require water for drinking and bathing. During the winter especially, it can be hard for them to find an open source of water. If no water is available, they will waste preciouls energy needed to keep them warm searching for water. In fact, since fresh water can be hard for birds to find, a birdbath is one of the best ways to attract birds to your yard. Birds need water for drinking and bathing.
Water for bathing is important for two reasons. First, clean feathers help a bird fly better and protect them from cold weather too. Clean feathers help create air pockets between the feathers and the bird’s skin. For example, research has shown if a chickadee’s feathers are well-maintained, they can sustain a 70 degree insulation barrier between the outside temperature and its skin.
When searching for the right birdbath, there are several factors you should take into consideration. These factors are:
- Size - When selecting a birdbath, look for a birdbath with gently, sloping sides. The size is The bowl’s depth should be between 1″ to 3″ deep. Otherwise, if it’s too deep, the birds will avoid it. Diameter is also important. Since birds are territorial, a birdbath with a large diamter will enable more than one bird to use it. It should at least be 2′ in diamter or larger.
- Bowl interior – The bowl’s interior should be textured for solid footing. If the bottom of the birdbath is smooth, line it with pebbles or rocks. Since birds are more attracted to dark interiors, if the interior is light, line it with dark-colored pebbles. A bowl which has different depths is also a nice feature it will be more suited to birds of different sizes.
- Placement – When deciding where to place your birdbath, place your birdbath in the shade near cover so the water doesn’t get too hot and evaporate. Furthermore, after bathing, birds like to preen themselves in a safe place. While they preen themselves, it distributes an oil from an oil gland near the base of their tail. The oil makes the feathers more durable and water-resistant. When wet, they don’t fly very either. Consequently, the birdbath should be close to cover so they don’t have to fly very far to escape from predators. It should also be at least 15′ away from the feeding station. In addition to these factors, unless your bowl is removable and lightweight, you will also want to place your birdbath near an outdoor water faucet for ease of cleaning.
- Cleaning - Keep your water fresh and clean. The water should be changed at least every couple of days to prevent diseases and to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Each time you change the water, you should clean the birdbath too. Clean the birdbath with a stiff brush and a 1:10 solution of bleach to water. If you don’t want to mix your own solution, there are also non-toxic cleaning solutions availabel. Concrete bird baths can be difficult to clean. Furthermore, birds need water throughout the year, and they can crack during the winter. If you live in a cold climate, during the winter you will need to use a de-icer. A ground fault interrupt protectors is a wise idea too so neither you or the birds get an electrical shock.
- Accessories – Besides a de-icer and ground fault interrupt protector, other accessories are nice for a bird bath. Since birds are attracted to moving water and the sound of dripping water, drippers, misters and wigglers are nice addtions. If you live in an area with hummingbirds, they like misters too.
By providing water and food for birds for your birds, you can enjoy many hours of pleasurable bird-watching.