Bird Chat Q & A - Water

Q: Should I Put A Birdbath Out For The Birds?

All wildlife requires four basic elements to survive: food, water, cover, and areas to raise young. Wildlife needs water both for drinking and bathing. Water can be more attractive to birds than food. The more movement and sounds of water, the more attractive to birds. Water can be supplied in a birdbath, a small pool, a recirculating waterfall, a shallow dish, or through a dripper or mister. A dependable, year-round water source is best.

An elevated birdbath protects birds from cats and other predators and is an attractive addition to the yard. A small pool set into the ground can provide not only water for drinking and bathing but also cover and reproductive areas for small fish, frogs, insects, and reptiles.

Birdbaths should be no deeper than 1 to 3 inches to allow birds to stand in the water. Birdbaths should slope slightly so birds can move from shallow to deeper water. This also accommodates the different sizes of birds that drink or bath in the bath.

Most birds dip their bill and then tip their head back to let the water run down their throat. Small birds will use the dewdrops as a source of water. Doves and pigeons drink by immersing their bills and sucking up the water (much like a horse). Not all birds need to drink water. Hummingbirds, for example, have a largely liquid nectar diet. (Hummingbirds do seem to enjoy playing and bathing in water.)

Provide a water source for the birds and you will be rewarded by watching them come to the bath all year long!
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Q: Can I leave my birdbath out all winter?

A: It is important to provide water for the birds year round. It can be difficult for birds to find water due to freezing conditions or dried up sources. If you have a concrete or decorative bath, the temperature and moisture variation may cause the concrete to crack. Store the bowl in the garage or basement, replace it with a plastic birdbath bowl and add a heater. A birdbath heater keeps an opening in the ice so birds can drink. Some birdbaths even come with a built-in heater.
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Q: The birds won’t come to my birdbath. What can I do to attract them?

A: Be patient. It may take birds a while to feel comfortable coming to the bath. Be sure the birds can see the bath. Birds are extremely attracted to moving water, so consider adding a dripper or a fountain to the bath.
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Q: What is the best way to clean my birdbath?

A: Use a stiff brush and rinse the birdbath thoroughly. Replace the water with fresh water on a regular basis. If necessary, use a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach to clean stubborn stains.