Simply For The Birds

If you’re a dedicated bird lover, it’s likely that you’ve either purchased or been given any number of bird baths. And these certainly make lovely accents to any backyard. Not only can you enjoy the birds that will splash, play, and bathe in these products, but many of them are pieces of art in and of themselves. To that end, you’re sure to want to keep every bird bath looking its best by regularly cleaning it.

But you have to make sure that you clean these bird baths in such a way that it will still remain safe for the birds. Clean out the water frequently, as stagnant water might promote mold growth. This, in turn, could be harmful for the birds. Also make sure that you don’t use any harsh chemicals, as this too could be harmful or even lethal to some of your feathered friends. With that in mind, consider accompanying every bird bath gift with a scrub brush and some cleaning solution designed specifically for bird baths.

If you live in a climate where the temperature dips below freezing more often than not, it can be frustrating trying to watch the birds in your backyard. After all, even if you fill a birdbath with water, subzero temperatures are going to prevent your birdie friends from enjoying that bird bath. If you want to transform your backyard into a bird watering hole all year round, consider purchasing a heated bird bath. These unique bird baths keep your water in its liquid form and your birds happy.

And don’t worry if you live in a particularly cold climate. Depending on the brand you look into, these heated bird baths have been shown to be effective down to twenty degrees below zero (in Fahrenheit). They are also proven safe for your feathered friends. Controlled by a thermostat, the bird bath doesn’t ever get too hot for comfort. In fact, it will be like a little outdoor spa for all those thirsty robins and blue jays coming around your backyard!

More often than not, it seems that birds aren’t attracted to the birdbaths that owners place in their yards.  This can be attributed to several different factors, and some of them have little to do with the environment itself.  However, if birds feel that they’re in an area that’s too open, they’re more liable to avoid the birdbath for fear of being spotted by predators.  It’s a good idea to make sure there are shrubs or bushes with leaves near the birdbath to provide cover if needed.  You might also think about placing a water wiggler in the birdbath.  Moving water is known to attract birds, and a water wiggler might be just the thing to encourage the avian population to use your birdbath.

For the sake of the owners and the birds, make sure your birdbath stays clean.  This will prevent mosquitoes from nesting near the edge of the water, and as we all know, mosquitoes can carry a host of dangerous diseases, and are an overall nuisance to people and animals.

Whether you live in a house with a yard or an apartment with a deck, you can enjoy watching the birds if you provide them with the essentials.  Food, shelter and a source of water. 

Apartment residents can use deck mounted birdbaths, window bird feeders and hanging birdhouses to bring the birds what they need. 

You will attract more birds to your backyard by adding motion to a birdbath, barrel or pond.  The sound of water or motion on the surface will act as a magnet to birds. You can do just that with drippers, misters, pump driven fountains or a water wiggler. 

You will also receive the added benefit of keeping mosquito eggs from hatching by keeping the water moving in your bird bath.  A water wiggler is a great way to do that, because it uses batteries that will last 60-90 days and you won’t have to use an electrical cord.

Don’t forget to change the water in your bird baths every few days, to keep clean and fresh for the birds.

Birds need water in winter so they do not become dehydrated.  By cleaning and grooming themselves, natural oils are released which help keep our backyard friends insulated against the cold.

It is easy to provide a fresh source of water for birds, with the various heated birdbaths that are available on the market.  Already have a non heated bird bath?  There are bird bath heaters and de-icers that are obtainable for purchase- that can be easily added to your existing birdbath.  Be sure to use a good quality outdoor extension cord, to plug into the heater or de-icer for added safety.