Sunday, August 28, 2011

Appeal to Birds Having a Bird Bath

By Shane White


If you love wild birds as much as we do, then you are aware of the significance of a water source to them. Providing a birdbath is one of the best ways to attract wild birds. I remember that it was in 1970, when these wild birds first caught our affection. Since then, we have provided them food and shelter. It is one of the great joys of living here. They bless us every day with their beauty, songs, and antics. Sometimes when I'm sitting outside, a bird would fly towards me. Then, it would settle on my head or other times on my knee. We live peacefully with the birds. We consider them as family. All creatures know they can come here without fear of being harmed - and all creatures know that they must live in harmony with each other. It works!

Water is a basic essential of all living creatures. Birds need water for drinking but often it is not easy for them to find it. Water keeps the birds clean and fresh all the time. It is mostly needed during the summer and dry season. When birds are unable to bathe, their dirty feathers can't function properly in flying or protecting them from elements.

Location is the first thing to consider when placing a birdbath. It must be safe where birds can be warned when threat is coming. If a bird bath is situated in or near a cluster of bushes, birds may be caught off-guard by eager creatures who hunger for them. A garden fountain can be placed under a shaded area like under a tree. The birds can sit on its branches. This makes the bird feel more secure since it is difficult to fly quickly with wet feathers. Don't place the bird bath under a feeder since the droppings will pollute the water. Make certain the water in the bird bath is replaced every few days so that the birds can have a clean and fresh supply of water. During summer, the water has to be replaced everyday. Still waters left in the open or under the sun can grow algae. Birds will less likely be attracted to a birdbath with filthy water. It would also be difficult to clean. Don't you think?

It is wonderful and interesting to watch the birds in the garden fountain. They submerge their bodies under water just to get their undersides wet and then splash some over themselves. After they bathe, I have seen them fly and perch on a branch, especially in the sunlight and preen themselves. I love watching this process. It appears that the birds are merrily doing it. Birds have an oil gland at the base of their tails and spread this oil throughout the feathers and make them more durable and water resistant. At the same time, any dirt or insects stuck on their feathers are also removed.

Common birdbaths are usually puddles. Choose a birdbath that is round or oval in shape, three inches deep or less, and with slightly rough surface so that the birds' feet will not slide. In case the texture is too smooth, you can put flat rocks or gravel at the bottom.

There are many types of birdbaths available. We like the solar-powered birdbath. Birds seem to be attracted to and love the sound of moving or dripping water. There is also a type of birdbath that thaws frozen water. This is very useful for birds during winter.




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