by Susan Woodward

Created on: July 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 29, 2009

Attracting Wild Birds: What About Water?

One of the most effective ways to attract wild birds to your yard is to make sure they have water for bathing and drinking. Lots of people who love watching birds, however, will put up feeders but forget to provide water for them. Water is important, and it's frequently harder to find than food in many parts of our country, especially those that are experiencing drought.

A bird bath will lure lots of different birds, not just the seed eaters that come to your feeders. There are many wonderful and colorful birds that only rarely visit feeders but are very likely to make use of your bird bath: robins, cedar waxwings, orioles, brown thrashers, bluebirds, bobwhites, and indigo buntings.

Baths for birds come in all shapes and sizes, and don't have to be expensive. If money is an issue, (and it is for lots of us these days) the six to twelve inch earthenware saucers you use under potted plants will work just great. Place them directly on the ground, or put them on your patio or deck. If space is hard to find in your yard, there are basins that can be mounted directly to your deck rail, and if you have a tree limb in a good spot, or an eave overhanging your deck, there are many bird baths that can be suspended. Mounting a basin on a pedestal creates an attractive centerpiece in a garden setting.

Several important things to keep in mind:

It should be shallow - with a gradual slope and no more than 2-3" deep at the deepest point. If the one you have already is too deep, add some rocks to raise the bottom. It should have a rough bottom surface for good footing. If yours is too slippery, add some of those non-skid stickers, like those that are made for your bathtub. Keeping it clean is extremely important. Once in awhile, you'll have to clean out any algae by scrubbing with a stiff brush. Never use chemicals or common dish soap -a weak bleach solution with cup of Clorox to 1 gallon of water will work fine, or use a bird-safe birdbath cleaner. Rinse very thoroughly before refilling with clean water. Provide at least two feet of open space around the bath, with trees or bushes nearby for perching and preening. Pedestal types are the best choice for any area where there are cats, as birds can't fly as well with heavy, wet feathers. Also, the birds are so busy with their bathing activities, they're not as alert. Keep the bath within easy reach of your garden hose, as you'll need to keep it refreshed with clean water every day or two to avoid contamination and mosquitoes. Keep the bird bath open year-round with a de-icer, as birds need water in winter also.

Movement of water enhances the appeal of the bird bath - a water wiggler is a fairly inexpensive way to create that movement. Fountains can be expensive, but will certainly add to the attraction. Solar pumps are available that can be used in your birdbath or pond. Keep in mind that all it takes is one drip per second to provide a sound that is considered irresistible and may attract more birds than would ordinarily come. You can arrange this at no cost using your garden hose. Hummingbirds especially love flying through a mister.

You'll find that birds all have a different approach to bathing and drinking, but there is no mistaking how much they enjoy it. Watching them at your birdbath will give you and your family hours of entertainment.

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