common_nature | Bird Bath!

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common_nature

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.

Current Mood: cheerful

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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.