 | There is no doubt that a birdbath will attract birds. However, why should you have a birdbath? Where should the birdbath be placed? What birds will you attract? Isn't scattering seeds enough? No. Not really. You see, nothing attracts birds to your yard, quite like water. And just like humans, birds like running water even more. Whether you have a shallow, bubbling stream, with areas for little birds to drink and bathe safely; or you simply set up a single birdbath, your feathered friends will make a bee-line to your yard. The types of birdbaths, and where they are placed, make a huge difference in the types of birds you will attract and how many birds you want to show up. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
The Single Birdbath. The single birdbath is a place where birds like to gather. It should always be positioned near bird feeders, which contain a variety of foods, such as suet, sunflower seeds, millet, and other bird favorites. A good seed mix should do it, along with a few suet feeders. In the summer, locate your birdbath in a shady spot, so that the little ones can have respite from the summer sun. In the winter, move your birdbath into the sun. Beware of surrounding your bath with too may shrubs; since you don't want to give neighborhood cats a place to hide. Nice, thorny shrubbery nearby, however, can give the birds a place to flee to, when they feel threatened. Refill the birdbath several times a day, especially in the summer and fall, when migrating birds will simply inundate the bath. In winter refill at least twice a day with warm water. A birdbath heater is essential when the weather gets cold. It looks like a block of ice, and it is attached to a heavy duty long cord, which you can plug into a long, heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord. Always use a special safety, circuit-interrupter socket, which immediately turns off the power, if moisture seeps into the wires.
The Tiered Fountain Birdbath. Whether you decide on two levels or three, the tiered fountain birdbath will attract even more birds. Just like humans, the birds are attracted to the sound of splashing water. A favorite spot to position a tiered fountain is often in the front yard. Nothing delights the eyes, quite like multi-colored hues of the robin's red breast, along with the bright red and rosy blush of the male and female cardinal. Along with your typical visitors, you might see the illusive indigo bunting with his brilliant blue feathers, in summer, or the shy rose-breasted grosbeak in winter. And the greatest pleasure of all, babies, brought to your fountain by ever watchful parents, in the spring.
The Solar Sipper. Winter is just plain hard for birds. They need water, fresh and continuous. Eating snow, simply doesn't quench their thirst. Many birds die, simply for a lack of fresh water. The solar sipper is a perfect choice for freezing temperatures. Usually coming with brackets for deck rails, porch rails, or a tree, the solar sipper protects the water from evaporation with its special cover; and since the cover is black, it makes the perfect solar collector to keep the water above freezing. A small hole in the cover's center enables the birds to dip into the water for a drink. Just remember, position the Solar Sipper in direct sunlight, so that the solar panel can collect the suns rays.
The Deck Mount Birdbath. As its name implies, the deck mount birdbath attaches to your deck rail, by a bracket. It also contains a locking hinge, which allows you to spill out the old water, before you refill. This is great during hot summer days, especially if your deck is high up. The height attracts a kaleidoscope of colorful birds that you might not easily see, since the height gives them a more unrestricted view of your yard. If you include potted evergreen plants, along with a potted honeysuckle, and colorful butterfly attracting flowering plants, you will be able to view migrating birds from all over, who will gladly stop by for a drink. Potted grasses, with seed heads are also a good choice. Include a feeder, both hanging and ground feeder (a simple plant saucer is a good choice), and, of course a couple of cakes of suet.
The Heated Clamp On Birdbath. Much like the deck mount bird bath, the heated clamp on bird bath attaches to either your deck, or you can attach to a pole with special hardware. The beauty of this birdbath, is that it contains a thermostatically controlled heater. A cord is attached, so that you can plug into an insulated, outdoor extension cord; then you can plug it into a special, outdoor circuit-interrupter plug.
The Bird Pond. This investment is definitely for the serious bird lover. Unlike the fish pond, a bird pond need only be 3 inches deep, or less. You can even make a small stream, which then collects into a small pond. Include a solar pump, and install pipes for a return flow. A floating solar fountain also works well. Make certain that anything solar is located in full sun. The running water helps keep winter ice from forming, and the fountain oxygenates the water. Simply fill the reservoir every few days, and you might be surprised what birds will be attracted to your yard. Wild turkeys, quail, and other wild critters will find their way to your stream. Include a good bird mix, and during the holidays sprinkle some cranberries around, for those fruit loving birds.
The Pondless Pond or Waterfall. If you have young children or grandchildren, or if you live in a neighborhood with certain safety restrictions, you might consider a pondless waterfall or pondless pond, which allows a fountain or waterfall to spray water over river rocks. This may just be the best choice you can make. Check with your county for building codes, first. Then purchase a kit or hire a contractor. The pondless pond or waterfall is especially great for small front yards, in spring, summer or fall. It will, of course, have to be emptied (not a huge chore, since the reservoir is small) in winter.
Once your bird bath, pond, pondless pond, or waterfall is positioned, do not despair if you have to wait a day or so before you see the birds gather. The brave soldiers of the garden will arrive first: the titmice, the chickadees, the starlings, and the blue jays. Then just sit back and enjoy the view, because robins, cardinals, finches, sparrows, mocking birds, and a host of other backyard visitors will stand in line (literally) just waiting for their turn to drink and splash. In summer, scrub birdbaths with a mild dish soap and a brush, every few days, to prevent algae build-up, and to prevent the spread of disease. DO NOT USE BLEACH! If you need a more complete cleaning, then spray with a power sprayer, to clean algae off.
Probably the most rewarding thing you can add to your yard is a birdbath, bird pond, or pondless waterfall. In fact, the more the merrier. Any bird droppings can be power washed away on a warm, sunny day. Your life will be richer, and the birds will thank you by keeping your yard bug free. In addition to birds, your water features will attract frogs, toads, and dragonflies, which will keep your yard nearly mosquito free. So, let yourself go. Install one, or two, or even more water features in your yard. You will not regret your decision, as you find joy, peace, and wonder, right in your own yard.
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