Water will Attract more Birds to your Yard

Many birds won't visit your squirrel proof bird feeders but will come to your bird bath .

It can be a simple as a plant saucer or a garbage can lid turned upside down with a few rocks in the center or a decorative birdbath that can also add style to your backyard

Why a birdbath?

• Birds must drink and love to bathe and preen.
• Water helps keep a bird’s body cool. Drinking and wading helps regulate their body temperatures
• Water baths can also remove dust, loose feathers, parasites and other debris from a bird’s plumage
• Will increase the number & variety of birds coming to your yard, since birds that would not normally visit feeders will be tempted by water feature
• Once birds find a reliable source of water, they will return.

What type of birdbath?

Your water source could be as simple as a plant saucer, garbage can lid or an old pie pan

When purchasing a birdbath the following should be considered:

• Be sure your bath is not too deep -- If the bath slopes, it should be no deeper than 3 inches. . If the bath is flat, it should be no deeper than 1-1/2".
• Helpful if the texture is slightly rough to ensure good footing especially if the bath slopes. Stay away from shinny glazes.
• Should be of a neutral or earthy tone. Bright colors can attract predators so birds tend to avoid them.
• A lip or perch at the edge will provide space for them to land before entering the water.
• You should have more than one source of water.

Where to Put your Birdbath?

Several baths in various locations in your yard will attract the most wildlife to your backyard. Some flat on the ground and others several feet off the ground is a good idea

To accustom your birds to a new bath the following should be considered:

• Placing a bird feeder within five feet of the bath. Birds will notice the water in the bath as they go to the feeder.
• Best to locate the bath in an open area (never under overhanging limbs) that is about 10-12 feet from a tree or tall shrub. Not so close that predators will be able to sneak up on the birds but close enough for birds to retreat. They cannot fly well with wet feathers and a branch gives them a place to preen after a bath.
• A sunny spot in the winter is better while some shade during the summer is a good idea

How to care for your birdbath?

Bath water should be changed every few days, no matter what the season, to insure a fresh, clear supply.

Some other things you can do to keep your water clean:

• Bath should be washed every couple of days. Washing with water and white vinegar will help prevent algae growth and keep the bath fresh.
• Bath brushes, special fountain protection solutions & cleaners are useful. Algaecides and enzyme cleaners that can reduce the instance of green algae and the growth of mosquito larvae
• A capful of chlorine can be added to the bath water at night. This is safe because it will oxidize before morning
• Water wigglers create water movement thus keeping mosquitoes from being a problem in your birdbath.

Some Other thoughts

Backyard birds have limited scent glands thus having a heightened sense of hearing. Moving water fascinates and attracts birds. Add a dripper, mister or wiggler to create small drips, tinkles, and bubbles that birds like.

Get creative and make your own dripper. An old enamel pitcher mounted to a pole that hangs over your birdbath, or a plastic milk with a small hole creating a drip. A hose dripping into a dish or pond can have a similar effect and will attract more birds. Or check out this dripper you could make..go here

Add a few stones that emerge from the water for smaller birds, and butterflies, to land on

Visit YourGardenRetreat.com to buy your bird bath this season.

Some other articles that might interest you:
Is Your Birdhouse Ready for Nesting Season this Spring?
Birdhouse and Nesting Box Dimensions Chart
What You Need to Know about the 39 Most Common Birds in America