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Every child knows that running under a sprinkler or
being sprayed by a water hose is a fun way to cool
off on a hot summer day. Cool water always makes the
summer's heat tolerable and even enjoyable. You can
offer the same relief from the heat to the birds in
your backyard!
By installing a simple birdbath, you will make your
yard more attractive while also being able to enjoy
the pleasure of watching a large variety of birds
playing and splashing around in the cool pool of
water.
Your new birdbath doesn't need to be expensive. It
can be as simple as a shallow pan filled with water
placed on your lawn. Or if you want to go all out,
you can build or purchase an exquisite concrete
birdbath complete with fountain. Or you can choose
something in between. The choice is yours and the
birds won't care how much you spend. They'll love
whatever you provide for them to bathe and play in.
There are a few things to consider when you place a
birdbath on your lawn or in your garden. Birds prefer
shallow water (no more than 1-2 inches). If the water
is deeper than that they will avoid it out of fear.
Also, the bottom of the birdbath should have a fairly
rough surface. Birds feel more comfortable when they
have a solid footing.
You should also place your birdbath in an open area
of your lawn or garden. Predators such as cats like
to hide in shrubs and foliage waiting for an
opportunity to catch birds unaware. Birds prefer to
have a clear view of the surrounding area so that
they can keep an eye out for danger.
If you follow these suggestions, you'll have lots of
birds that are eager to take advantage of your new
birdbath!
After you have found the most appropriate location
for your birdbath and installed it, you can then
concentrate on attracting the birds to it. Having a
ready supply of food nearby is an excellent way to
attract your feathered friends. If you keep a
well-stocked birdfeeder near the birdbath they will
eat their fill and then splash around in the water
for a few minutes.
The sound of splashing water will also help attract
birds to your birdbath. You should consider using a
fountain with your birdbath (a simple water hose set
to a fine mist will do). Also, if you water your lawn
or garden, keeping the sprinkler set to a fine mist
will make an attractive sound to entice birds from
near and far.
Always be sure to keep the birdbath clean. Dirt and
waste can make birds sick. Also, birds need a steady
supply of clean, cool water in order to remain
healthy. Re-supply the birdbath with fresh water
often during the hot summer months. Water evaporates
quickly and it is splashed away to the ground by the
birds. If possible, place your birdbath near some
tree branches. If a tree is nearby, the birds will
play in the branches after bathing, providing lots
of enjoyment for you as well as for them!
Your new birdbath will be a wonderful addition to
your lawn and garden in the winter time as well as
the summer. Although most plants go dormant in the
winter, birds continue to need a water source and
many local streams and ponds may well be frozen over
and not provide the water they need in order to
survive and remain healthy. Also, there are different
species of birds around in the winter time as opposed
to the summer. Be sure to keep your birdbath free of
ice and filled with water during cold weather. The
water is useless to birds if it is only available as
a block of ice!
A birdbath will add beauty to your lawn and provide
year after year of pleasure, for you as well as for
your feathered friends!
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