Water
|
Sources of Water
for Birds
|
| Water is a basic need
for birds and critters and providing it in your
backyard serves as an irresistible attraction.
Water may not be as prevalent in the surrounding
environment as might be expected. Birds drink
water, use it for bathing and keeping feathers
in good flight condition and as an added
benefit, it can attract insects for birds to
eat. |
Natural Water Sources
|
| We live on a piece of
land that drops dramatically down a wooded hill
to an old field bisected by a stream that is
generously called a river. We are far enough
above this that we cannot enjoy the babbling
brook sounds., but fortunately we don't need
flood insurance either. This is the main source
of water in our immediate rural area. Most of
the birds seem to retreat when threatened or
thirsty into the hilly tree buffer zone or fly
on to the stream. |
|
|
|
| |
Some
foods provide moisture for the birds. Fat juicy
insects and caterpillars as well as the more
obvious, fruits and berries.
Rain in puddles in the driveway or morning
dew on the leaves provides enough water for tiny
birds to enjoy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trees
provide sap and flowers are sources of nectar.
Both, of course, hydrate and nourish the birds
and maybe even the critters in our yards.
|
|
|
|
Other Sources of
Water
|
The Pond:
|
|
|
We
wanted to provide a source of water in our
backyard, one which had bubbling sounds we
could enjoy. After much discussion (some of it a
little loud), we decided to start with a small
pond, near the feeders and the photo/viewing
window. Look for the pictures of the process on
the site soon.
|
|
| We carefully placed pavers so the birds could
approach the water in shallow areas. At one
point, we did notice a stranded bug and
hen a frightened looking chickadee. We
quickly rearranged the pavers. |
| Early on, we added a bubbler for the sound
and the water movement. It was pleasant
for the Food Folks and irresistible to the
Grandgirls. However, the birds seemed to take a
while to warm up to the whole pond idea. |
| Keeping the pond clear and clean has proven
to be a challenge we hope to conquer this
spring. Even adding pond plants didn't help,
although they looked nice. The rubber water lily
was something only the girlies could appreciate. |
|
|
|
The Birdbaths:
|
|
Birdbaths
can be simple as an old lid with pebbles and
water or as elaborate as those with decorations
and fancy carvings. Birds have no preference
(just clean and shallow). But because they do
have an attraction to the sound of water, birds
do like birdbaths that come with a solar
fountain spray or a burbler that can be added
later. Winter birds need a heated birdbath or a
heater added to a regular birdbath.
|
|
|
|
The attraction to the
lid on the ground is natural because birds know
that water seeks the lowest level possible and
that would be the first place to find it. In
spite of this, typical birdbaths with pedestal
bases have been popular for many years.
(ornamental in a garden and functional for
birds). The bowl should be shallow and have a
non slippery surface (pebbles in the bottom can
fix those problems). We even have birds who
visit our hanging birdbath.
|
|
|
| |
|
