We eagerly put out bird seeds to attract the birds to our yard. Some bird lovers will even offer more than one kind of seed. But offering water is such an important resource to give the birds, even more so in winter when open water sources can be very difficult to find.
As with birdfeeders, birdbaths require maintenance. Birdbaths must be cleaned on a regular basis. During warm weather, algae will inevitably form in your birdbath. Additives and algae remover as well as different kinds of cleaners aren't necessary and may harm the birds. All you need is water and a stiff brush to remove the algae.
Often fill the birdbath with fresh water...remember, birds drink and bathe in the same water!
A lot of people buy deep birdbaths hoping that they won't have to refill it as often. But birds seem to prefer those that are fairly shallow. Also, they like a bath with some texture to it in order to get a better grip and avoid slipping.
Birdbaths may be placed on the ground to avoid being tipped over. But the main reason is that birds are used to drinking from puddles, ponds...
Why not try a heated birdbath during the winter months? It is one of the best ways to attract birds during this cold season. Not only will more birds come to visit, but a greater variety of them will show up!
To sum it up:
- regularly fill birdbaths with fresh, clean water
- wash often, simply with water and a stiff brush
- choose a birdbath that is fairly shallow and has a rough texture on the inside
Posted by snackshackforbirds.com
Information taken from "Why Don't Woodpeckers Get Headaches?" - Mark O'Conner
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