How much do you know about bird baths? Unless you're a bird bath enthusiast, probably not much. I didn't know much about them until I began shopping for one in earnest. For example, I thought most bird baths were pretty much alike - white stone, period. After all, that's what I typically saw from my car window each time I passed by a garden or landscaping store. Now I know better. You'll be amazed at the variety of bird baths available in the market today! There are solar bird baths; bird baths made out of ceramic, resin, cast, mosaic, metal, copper, and even heated bird baths. Now birds can take a bath in their own heated pool!
A bird bath is a wonderful addition to your landscaping. Nothing attracts wild birds more than fresh drinking and bathing water, especially on a hot summer day. Once they feel comfortable and "safe" in your yard, they will visit often and stay a while. However, don't expect to see wild birds using your new bird bath as soon as you place it outside. Birds are very cautious and it may take several days before you see them using your bird bath. Once they start coming though, they will continue to visit on a daily basis. Word gets around the "bird neighborhood" fast!
By the way, to make it easier for wild birds to bathe and drink from your bird bath - especially during the winter months - make sure the sides are sloped or provide stones for perching for the smaller birds. It's also a good idea to keep the water level no deeper than two inches, otherwise they'll be frightened of the water. Additionally, the bottom of the birdbath should have a fairly rough surface. Birds feel more comfortable when they have a solid footing.
Keep bird baths free from ice so that wild birds can always come to your garden for a drink. If you're using a hanging bird bath, be sure to brush the snow from branches, especially on conifers, to ensure they do not break under the weight.
Position bird baths in such a way that it gives birds a clear view around so they can see any approaching danger.
If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, you should bring your bird bath inside to keep it from freezing and cracking.
NOTE: Please don't put a bird bath on your property if you own an outside cat or cats are known to prowl your neighborhood on a regular basis!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do birds bathe every day?
A. A lot depends on the season. If it's a hot sunny day, a bird will easily bathe four or five times during the day, but on a cold winter day birds may not bathe at all. Who can blame them? Would you jump in a pool or ocean in 10-degree weather? Birds also appear to have several different bathing habits. Just like us, some birds prefer to bathe early in the morning, others in the afternoon, and still others prefer to bathe late in the evening after the sun goes down.
Q. How often should I clean my bird bath?
A. You want your birds to have clean water available to them at all times. It should be as free of bacteria as possible to keep your birds healthy. You can accomplish this by flushing out the bird bath daily or if it becomes visibly fouled. A weekly scrub using 9 parts water to 1 part chlorine or bleach will be sufficient. Don't forget to rinse it thoroughly before adding drinking water. Bleach is very toxic to your birds!
Q. Why does a bird at times become so waterlogged that they are unable to fly?
A. Some birds enjoy their bath so much, they temporarily rob themselves of the ability to fly. If you notice this happening often, it's a good idea to have a perch or small tree branch situated nearby so your birds will have a safe haven to go balance on while they dry. A few minutes of vigorous flapping and preening will soon make them airborne again.
