Monday, November 21, 2011

Provide Your own Birds A Bird Bath

By Rachele Wolfgang


If you love wild birds as much as we do, then you are aware of the significance of a water source to them. Placing a birdbath is one of the excellent ways to invite wild birds. In fact, these wild birds have been under our care since 1970. Living here and seeing these birds brings immense happiness. They never fail to amaze us with their beauty, songs and tricks. Every now and then, when I sit outside my bench, a bird would also sit on my head or knee. In this place, people and birds live harmoniously, as a family should be. Every creature who comes here are always welcome and they learn to live in peace with one another. Guess what, it works.

Water is a basic essential of all living creatures. Birds need water for drinking but often it is not easy for them to find it. They also need a source of water for bathing to help keep cool in the summer months, especially during droughts and months without rain. Birds can't fly properly and protect themselves if their feathers are unclean.

Location is the first thing to consider when placing a birdbath. It must be safe where birds can be warned when threat is coming. A birdbath located near the bushes can easily be threatened by beasts dwelling behind or in it. Under a tree is where a garden fountain is most convenient. Birds can enjoy the shade while they settle on its branches. Birds will feel safe on a tree branch, drying their feathers. Waste from birds will most likely contaminate the water so do not place the bird bath under a feeder. See to it that the water in the bird bath is changed every few days, keeping it clean and fresh. If the weather is too hot, change the water everyday. Water sitting out in the open or in the sunlight may become stagnant and show signs of algae. If it is already disgusting to see algae stains in the water, how much more for birds if they were to drink or bathe in it? If it's been that for too long, you'll have a hard time cleaning it. Don't you think?

It takes my breath away to watch the birds in the garden fountain. They bathe by dipping their bodies and then splashing some of the water on themselves. When the birds finish taking a bath, they fly and sit on a tree branch and groom themselves. I like watching them do it. It appears that the birds are merrily doing it. Birds produce oil at the base of their tail. The oil protects their feathers, keeping it durable and impermeable to water. Simultaneously, the birds remove any dirt or insects stuck on the feathers.

Common birdbaths are usually puddles. If you are to choose a birdbath, pick a round-shaped or oval-shaped birdbath. its depth should not exceed three inches and its texture not too smooth to avoid birds from slipping. You can add flat rocks or gravel to the bottom if the texture is too smooth.

Various types of birdbaths are already out in the market. We like the bird bath that uses solar energy. The sound of dripping water seems to draw the attention of the birds. Some bird baths have heaters that can thaw frozen water. Birds will no longer have any problem of water supply during winter.




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