Bird Bath!

[rain_gryphon]

The birdbath is popular on a hot afternoon. The Sparrows act just like humans, splashing around and chattering excitedly as they crowd in together. Everyone has rather less boundary space than normal, and they all seem in a good mood, with no squabbling. I had to replace the water about every two hours.

There's a Lark flying past in front. I was watching everyone having fun in the bath, and didn't even notice him until afterward. He's headed for the tube feeder, I think, just out of sight to the right.

Comments

[yourlibrarian]

Aw poor things, I'll bet they're glad of the water alright in these temperatures.

[rain_gryphon]

Oh, they are, yeah. You can just tell.

The feeders are more popular too in hot weather. You can stop by and get fed without doing much work, even if the stuff I serve is kinda 'meh' compared to what they'd normally forage on their own.

[shirebound]

Loving these pics! I've been thinking about getting a birdbath as well. Do you have to clean it out regularly?

[rain_gryphon]

Yes, you've gotta clean them frequently to keep them useable and healthy for the birds. Once a day is usually enough. This time, like I said,it was every few hours because I had such an incredible number of birds using it. Cleaning is nothing elaborate - just empty the old water, wash away the sludge with a hose or by pouring a bucket of water over it, then refill. Once a week or so you might briefly take a scrub brush to it. I never use soap or anything. I let mine dry out every few weeks also, which I think helps, but most people don't.

The top of mine, like most, is made as a separate piece, so I can just tip it to drain it. That's a very handy feature to have, so most birdbaths are made that way. When you're shopping, be sure that the top is light enough for anyone who'll be cleaning it to easily handle, or, if you use a hose to fill it, you can usually just spray it clean without tipping the top. Avoid the new-style glass birdbaths - they're pretty, but give very poor footing for the birds. As you can see in the picture, the old-fashioned kind with the scalloped rim gives places to perch. The bath should be shallow - backyard birds like to wade and splash rather than swim.

If you can, it's best to place it near or beneath a tree with low branches, or a large bush. That way, if there's an alarm, the birds can get to shelter quickly, even with wet feathers. Also, if you have the choice, try to place it where there's no cover nearby that cats, etc, can use for stalking.

If you like watching birds live their lives, a bath is well worth the trouble. A place to bathe and drink is harder to find in dry weather than food, so you'll see most of the local birds stop by.

[shirebound]

Thanks so much for all this great information. I have water dishes out for them, but would love to offer a bathing place as well.

[rain_gryphon]

A birdbath is just a big water dish, really. Same principles apply.

[stultiloquentia]

This is great; thanks!

[rain_gryphon]

You're quite welcome. Are you considering a birdbath as well?

[jesse_the_k]

Fabulous shot! It's like NYC at that birdbath.

[rain_gryphon]

That was on my mind as I watched them, yeah. I'd seen pictures of humans in NY and DC just packing fountains and wading pools already that day. I normally see one or two birds in the bath, and a few more on the branch overhead standing guard and waiting their turn. That day, it was twenty or so in the bath, and at least that many watching and waiting.