solar bird baths and fountains

solar bird baths and fountains

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As we move into the hottest part of the summer, it is time to start thinking about the birds that visit our bird feeders. Providing fresh, cool water will not only attract more birds into your yard ... it may save their lives.

In many areas, natural water supplies actually dry up in the summer. This increases competition for the little water that remains available. As fledglings leave their nests in early summer, they begin searching for fresh water for their survival.

If you enjoy watching the birds that are attracted to your bird feeders, then you will be very pleased with what you see after adding a birdbath or two to your yard. Why? Because you can actually attract more birds with water than with birdseed.

Maybe you have noticed that many of the birds that visit your feeders everyday seem to be the same day after day. But guess what? There are many wild birds that are not interested in the birdseed that you offer. So adding a birdbath may attract birds that you have never seen in your yard before.

Place your birdbath 15 or more feet away from your feeding station, to help keep it clean. You should also keep it in an area that gets afternoon shade, this will help keep the water fresh and cool. It will also reduce evaporation. Since birds do not fly well after bathing, place your birdbath near plants or shrubs (not too close if you have problems with cats). This will offer protection and perching spots where the birds can preen and dry off.

Another way to attract birds with water is to place the birdbath on the ground. This approach will often be more successful since birds are use to finding water on the ground. In fact, most birds will find a well-maintained, ground-level birdbath irresistible. American Robins won't usually be attracted to your feeders, but a birdbath placed low to the ground will almost certainly attract them.

You can make your water source almost irresistible to birds by adding movement. There are several ways to get your water moving. You can purchase a commercial dripper or sprayer. You can even hang a bucket over your birdbath with a small hole in the bottom, allowing the water to drip down.

My personal favorite is a solar powered birdbath. These are great. There is a small fountain pump that sits in the birdbath spraying water upward creating a nice visual effect and the sound of running water. The best thing about it is there is no electrical cord. A small solar cell powers the pump. If you have never tried one, I think you will be very pleased.

So, if you want to add a new feature to your wild bird feeding station, consider adding a water source. Attracting birds with water will increase the variety of species visiting your yard. It will also provide you with a new way to experience backyard birding.

Rob Huff and his family have enjoyed attracting wild birds into their yard for many years. This love of watching wild birds has grown into a hobby that the whole family enjoys together. For more information on birding and attracting birds with water visit us at www.a-home-for-wild-birds.com.

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