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The Binocular Advisor

 

Summer Birdbath

Kozy Spa BathSometimes fresh, clean water is all it takes to make a bird's day. And it makes our day to see the birds enjoying it.

Water attracts all kinds of birds, including bluebirds, flycatchers, and even hummingbirds.

Put your birdbath in your garden, and the birds will find it quickly. Birds will bring their babies to the bath and show them where it is.

A birdbath brings great happiness to a home. It's one of the easiest ways to bring birds up close, where the whole family can get a really good look and enjoy their beauty.

What kind of birdbath is best?

Shallow
No deeper than three inches at the center. It should be even shallower at the edge. Many birdbaths are way too deep for birds to feel secure.

Drippy or sprinkly
Rocky Mountain Spring BathThe plink or splash of moving water is pure invitation to birds. It dramatically increases the number of species that visit a birdbath.

Some bath scome with a dripper built in, like the Rocky Mountain Spring with Dripper. A great idea!

Rough bottomed
Birds don't like a glazed, slippery bottom. Cement is good, but it's heavy and hard to handle. Some of the new fiber-and-resin baths are amazingly lightweight, and they have a rougher texture, that makes birds feel secure.


Where should a birdbath be located?

Cat watching birdbathNot where cats can hide.
Cats like to lie in wait beneath shrubbery or behind a concealing object and then pounce on the birds when they're wet and can't fly well. So put your birdbath at least five to ten feet from such hiding places. Give the birds a chance to see the cat coming.

With an escape route.
The ideal location is under some branches that hang down within two or three feet of the bath. A wet bird can flutter a few feet up to the safety of the leaves.

Pedestal BathOn a pedestal.

It's easy to see from the house, easy to clean, and somewhat safer from predators.

Within reach of a hose.

Make your birdbath easy to clean and refill. But locate your birdbath away from your feeding station, because seeds and droppings would soil the water quickly. Change the water every few days, or even every day in hot weather. Dump it out or squirt it out with the hose. I keep a scrub brush outside with my gardening tools, so that I can brush out any algae that begins to form.

In view from a window.

PhoebePlace the birdbath where you can see it from indoors. Maybe from your dining room or kitchen.

Or locate it in your garden. Nothing is more decorative.

A bird in the bath is the soul of enjoyment. The sight of it, even a chance glimpse through the window, will provide you too with a splash of happiness.


© 2017 Michael and Diane Porter


 

 


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