Many people put food out for birds, but fewer provide water. Providing water for birds is just as important as providing food, if not more so! Birds need water to wash their feathers, maintain their body temperature, and for drinking. The type of water you provide for birds depends on the climate you live in and the types of birds visiting your yard.
What’s Wrong with a Good Old-fashioned Birdbath?
Long ago, people used to put birdbaths outside their homes so the birds had water. Now, instead of just a birdbath, you need to think about what type of water and how much is right for the birds in your area. This way they can drink it, keep cool in hot weather and clean their feathers.
If you have a birdbath, it should be shallow (less than 2-3 inches deep). This allows the birds to drink without fear of drowning. If your birdbath is not shallow enough, you may need to add rocks or other objects so that the birds can stand on them and reach the water. Keep the bath’s sides sloped so the birds can walk out easily.
Whenever possible, place your birdbath in a shady area and keep it filled with fresh water. If you live in a hot climate, consider adding ice cubes during the heat of the day to keep the water cool for drinking. Also, use a mister or dripper to add motion to the water and make it more inviting for birds.
What is the best water feature for birds?
Bird baths
They are not the only way to provide water for birds. Providing water for birds doesn’t have to be limited to a birdbath. If you don’t have a yard or don’t want to put out a bath, you can still provide water for birds. You can hang small dishes in trees or from window ledges, or use a sponge filled with water in an open container. Other options include putting out shallow dishes of water on the ground, creating puddles in your yard, and setting up small ponds for birds to take a dip and bathe in. With enough creativity, you can create a fun and inviting space where birds can stay hydrated!
Providing water for birds is a great way to make your backyard more bird-friendly and enjoyable. When done correctly, you can provide birds with the hydration they need while also providing them with a safe space to relax and take in some much-needed nutrients.
Mister/ Dripper
A mister or dripper provides motion in the water and can help attract more birds to your yard. The motion helps keep the water cooler, inviting, and safer for birds to use. If you have a birdbath with a fountain, make sure it has some type of cover so that large birds cannot drown in it. You can also add a mister or dripper to other types of bird baths and dishes to help attract more birds and provide them with the water they need.
Pond
If you would like to provide water for larger numbers of birds, creating a pond or pool can be a great way to go. Ponds and pools provide deeper water for birds, allowing them to bathe and swim more easily. They also help attract other types of species such as ducks, geese, and other aquatic animals. When creating a pond or pool, make sure that there is a way for birds to exit easily and that the water is kept clean with regular maintenance.
Overall, providing water for birds is an important part of creating a bird-friendly yard. With the right setup, you can help attract more birds to your backyard while also helping them stay hydrated. Make sure to use the right features such as birdbaths, misters or drippers, and ponds or pools. With the right water feature setup, you can enjoy watching birds take a drink in your yard!
Moving water
Birds love moving water! Adding a fountain or mister to your birdbath can help attract more birds as the motion of the water is inviting and cooling for them. The sound of running water also helps mask other noises, making it easier for birds to feel safe when drinking. You can also add small dishes of moving water around your yard to provide birds with more options for hydration. If you go this route, make sure that the water is shallow enough for them to easily enter and exit the dish. Finally, moving water helps keep the water fresh since it is constantly being replenished, which in turn helps attract more birds.
Bird waterers
Bird waterers are also a great way to provide water for birds. These devices allow you to fill them up with water and place them in your yard without having to worry about the water evaporating or getting dirty quickly. Bird waterers can be hung from trees, posts, or window ledges and come in various sizes and shapes so you can find one that fits your needs. Plus, they are easy to use and maintain! Bird waterers provide birds with a clean and safe source of water for them to stay hydrated.
Keeping a Water Feature Clean
No matter what kind of water feature you decide to use, it is important to keep it clean. Dirty water can not only make birds ill, but it can also attract pests such as mosquitoes and other unwanted animals. Make sure to regularly check the water and change it out when necessary. Keeping your water feature clean will help ensure that birds stay healthy and safe while coming to your yard for a drink.
Providing water for birds is an important part of creating a bird-friendly yard. With the right setup, you can help attract more birds to your backyard while also helping them stay hydrated. Make sure to use the right features such as birdbaths, misters or drippers, and ponds or pools. Moving water, bird waterers, and keeping your water feature clean are also important considerations when it comes to providing a source of hydration for birds. With the right water feature setup, you can enjoy watching birds take a drink in your yard.