Winter is approaching and for many of us, this means snow and/or dry weather. For our feathered friends, this season may increase their reliance on bird feeders and birdbaths. Not only do bird use birdbaths to clean up, they will also stop by for a drink of water. By using a birdbath in your backyard, you will attract both your traditional seedeaters, but also others that may rely on insects or berries.
A fountain bird bath will continually cycle the water, and therefore reduce your time spent cleaning and also may prevent freezing. However, if you live in the northern latitudes you can either place a “De-icer,” “Bird Bath Ice Eliminator,” or GulfStream Bird Bath Heater” in your current birdbath, or use an already heated birdbath.
Maintaining a clean birdbath is important in keeping birds around your backyard. In some areas, you may find “red” algae or fallen leaves sustained at the bottom of your birdbaths.
There are several steps you can take in maintaining a clean birdbath:
1) Simply remove the dirty water and debris from your birdbath and refill with clean water.
2) Place the birdbath away from trees or shrubs where leaves may fall into the water.
3) Keep the feeders away from your birdbath. Birds can be voracious eaters during the winter. Seed shells can decompose in stagnant water and cause a mess.
Diseases have become an increasing concern for wild birds. Stagnant water and bird feeders can develop into vectors for disease transmission if not cleaned regularly. In order to clean your birdbath, all you need are gloves, a scrubber, clean water, and chlorine bleach (or equivalent).
1) Dilute 3/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water (wear gloves!).
2) Dump any remaining water out of birdbath.
3) Rinse birdbath with clean water.
4) Scrub (wear gloves!) birdbath for a few minutes and then allow it to sit for a few more (totally around 5-7 minutes).
5) Rinse birdbath 4-5 times with fresh water to remove any residual bleach.
6) Add new water – you have a clean birdbath!
Bird baths are useful to attract a variety of birds and other wildlife to your own backyard. Keep them clean and filled and you will have frequent visits!
