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.

Ruby Throated Hummingbird Drinking at Feeder