Wild About Wild Life

Birdbaths

Birdbaths are the fastest and easiest way to add water to your backyard when you are wanting to provide the BEST experience for your humming birds and other north american birds, and any other wild, native birds in your area of the world.  Birdbaths come in three basic designs: 

• Pedestal: These classic birdbaths stand three to four feet above the ground and include a post-style base on an elevated dish. Pedestal birdbaths may be plastic, metal or concrete and come in many decorative designs and colors. Some models also include small fountains or bubblers.
• Dish: A simple saucer or shallow bowl can be used for a dish birdbath. Dishes can be used at different heights by being placed on the ground, a fence, patio table or patio rail, stump or steps. Hanging dishes and models that attach to deck railings are available and are especially great for birds that inhabit hanging nests such as the Orioles and Wrens.
• Heated: A heated birdbath is essential in colder climates. It takes a lot of energy to melt snow to drink, and birds willingly visit available water sources all year round which will make your bird watching much more enjoyable. Heater accessories can be added to existing birdbaths. Fully heated models are available as well.  For more information, visit: http://www.wildlife-houses.com/index.php?cPath=5&&page=2

For birds to feel comfortable using a birdbath, it should not be more than two or three inches deep with a slight, gripping slope along the edges. Adding an overturned saucer or level rocks to the center of the bath can add a shallower section or island for birds to use. The birdbath should also have rough surfaces to provide traction when wet.

Misters

Misters are a favorite way for hummingbirds to find water and they will often hover in a mister repeatedly on a hot day. Misters also provide moving water to attract other birds, and if they are properly positioned they will drip into a birdbath for even more motion.

Misters may be attached to birdbaths or they can come as separate water features that attach to a garden hose. For the best effect, position the mister in a partially shaded area that has several perches available.

Ponds

Backyard ponds of any size can attract songbirds and water fowl when positioned around any nesting cavity, bird house or birds nest. The pond should have areas that are shallow enough for small birds to bathe and the water level should reach perches for easy drinking access.

Ponds can often be combined with waterfalls or streams to add moving water to attract even more birds. It is a good idea to add arificial butterflies, native plants,  fish and other natural elements will help create both food sources and shelter that will make the water especially attractive to warblers,  ducks, geese and other water birds.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls can cascade into a pond or be independent pool. Kee in mind, that the water flow will create a dynamic drinking and bathing area for your local, native birds. The movement and noise of the water will interest many birds, and structuring the waterfall to help birds access the water The waterfall should include shallow basins that collect water. Some birds will stand under small water streams, but heavy falls are less desirable. Natural materials such as slate and native rock will be the most attractive to birds. Add wild bird-friendly landscaping around the waterfall to create a habitat with food plants and shelter for native birds to enjoy the BEST experience.

An artificial or natural stream adds flowing water to a backyard landscape that will be especially attractive to wild birds. Adding rocks will create perches and keep the water depth suitable for birds to bathe and drink. If the stream is large enough to include a small bridge, nest boxes can be added beneath the bridge to attract swallows and other birds that thrive on the insects near water. Placing a stream near a nest birds bird feeder is another thought of location as well.

Cleaning Water Features for Birds

Water features will attract the most birds when the water is clean and fresh, even those who may be participating in bird migration. Standing water features such as birdbaths and dishes should be cleaned daily, while moving and flowing water will naturally stay fresher and can be cleaned less frequently. Flowing water is a natural cleanser of birds feathers and grime and will also be a great attraction of migratory birds as well. A garden bird bath placed near by will add to the attraction as well.

Any bird enthusiast  should never add harsh chemicals to water features to control algae growth or purify water. Keep in mind that feeding birds may be subject to the dangers of these chemicals. This whole atmosphere is to promote natural pollination and natural insect control in your yard. Even in small concentrations, such chemicals can be dangerous to birds. Pesticide, fertilizer and herbicide use should also be limited near bird water features.

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