Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A lovely animal like birds will be attracted to bird baths

By Craig U. Russell


If you love wild birds like we do, then you know how important it is to provide them with a drinking and bathing source. Birdbaths can certainly catch the attention of wild birds. Actually, it was in 1970 when we started feeding and caring for these birds. Up to now, we still do. Having these birds, makes living here worthwhile. Everyday, these beautiful creatures grace us with their singing. They even do tricks. There are times when I sit outside and occasionally a bird will perch on my head or knee. We are all a family here and live in an environment of peace. 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. And you know what, it works.

All living creatures drink water, so do birds. However, birds frequently have a tough time finding water. Bathing is one of the necessities of birds to keep them clean and fresh especially when the climate is hot and dry. Dirty feathers don't function as well in flying or protecting against the elements.

First and foremost, find a location that is safe for birds. It must be in a wide open space where they can view everything around them, where they can be aware of predators lurking nearby. Placing a birdbath in or near shrubbery or any place where a predator, be it a housecat or wildcat, is sure to invite disaster. Placing the garden fountain under a tree will provide shade and a place to perch. This makes the bird feel more secure since it is difficult to fly quickly with wet feathers. Birds' waste can contaminate the water so don't place their bird bath under a feeder. 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. Water sitting out in the open or in the sunlight may become stagnant and show signs of algae. Birds will less likely be attracted to a birdbath with filthy water. It would also be difficult to clean. Am I right?

It is wonderful and interesting to watch the birds in the garden fountain. They make a shallow dive in the water just enough to wet their undersides and then splash the water on themselves. I've witnessed birds after taking a bath, they fly, sit on a tree branch and groom themselves. I love watching this process. It seems that the birds are enjoying what they do. 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. It is at this time, he also removes any dirt or insects stuck on the feathers.

A puddle is the most natural birdbath. When choosing a birdbath, see to it that it is round or oval-shaped, not more than three inches deep. It must also have a textured surface to provide secure footing. You can add flat rocks or gravel to the bottom if the texture is too smooth.

Different kinds of birdbaths are seen in the market. We like the bird bath that uses solar energy. Birds seem to pay attention to birdbaths that sounds like dripping water. Another type of birdbath is the one that thaws frozen water. During winter, birds will have enough water supply.




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