It’s been cold around here lately with temperatures in the 20s. Cars ice up overnight and we have to be careful not to slip on the icy concrete as we leave our house in the morning.
But we aren’t the only ones affected by the cold weather. Today a squirrel was trying to get a drink on the birdbath but the water was frozen over. The poor squirrel kept moving around and around, slurping along the outer edge where some of the ice had loosened and a sip was possible.
I hope he got enough to drink because the weather report shows we are due for some further cold days. I know it’s winter and it’s not unexpected but I realize that our outdoor critters are not as lucky as we are to have a warm place to shelter in. I hope that Mother Nature will be kind and help all her critters, even us, have a healthy winter.
©Ferida Wolff for SeniorWomen.com
Editor's Note: There's a fact sheet put out by the Penn State Extension regarding birdbaths: https://extension.psu.edu/
Water for Wildlife: Bird Baths and Backyard Ponds
In general, birds that typically feed at bird feeders, such as the black-capped chickadee, house finch, and tufted titmouse, are most likely to use a bird bath located aboveground. Adding another birdbath on the ground may also attract less common backyard bird species since this type of bath more closely mimics a natural stream or pond. Ground-level baths also provide water for many other animal species, such as chipmunks and squirrels. Having both types allows you to provide water for the greatest variety of wildlife species.
Birdbaths come in a variety of sizes and materials, and they can be found at most garden, home, and pet stores. They range from about twenty dollars for a simple hanging terra-cotta or pedestal concrete bath to several hundred dollars for a cast iron or aluminum bath. You can make an inexpensive birdbath from materials found around the house, such as the inverted lid of a garbage can or a large terra-cotta plant saucer. Either place these directly on the ground or attach them to a rope or chains and hang from a tree branch.
Whether you buy or make a birdbath, keep in mind what is most attractive to a bird. Birds do not like slippery surfaces, and baths made out of materials such as glazed pottery or smooth plastics are not as attractive as those with a rough surface, like concrete or terra-cotta. If you already have a birdbath, or are making one, provide a nonstick surface by adding a few small rocks or even bathtub stickers. In addition, birds will only use a bath with shallow water, no more than two to three inches of water at the deepest.
Another way to attract birds to your yard is to add a dripping or misting water feature. A dripper adds water slowly to a birdbath from above, creating the sound of water dropping into the bath. You can purchase one from many of the same places that sell birdbaths, but you can also make a simple version with a plastic soda bottle or milk jug. Simply fill the bottle with water and puncture a small hole through the bottom. Then attach the bottle above the bathwater and allow it to drip in (it will need to be refilled daily).
A mister is another popular water feature. You can place it anywhere in your yard by attaching it to a garden hose. Many birds, especially hummingbirds, enjoy flying through the fine mist that is created. Misters are also commonly sold where birdbaths are found.
Birds like to have a safe place to drink and bathe, so it is best to place your birdbath near shrubs or some low tree branches to allow them to escape quickly if aerial predators are nearby. In addition, a shady location will keep your bath from overheating in the summer and keep algae levels low. When you have a ground-level bath, however, it is important to be aware of any cats that may be able to sneak up and attack the birds using your bath. If this is a potential problem in your yard, place your ground bath someplace where the birds can see a cat or other predator approaching, typically 10-15 feet from the nearest hiding spot. Finally, do not place your birdbath underneath bird feeders, since food and droppings will dirty the bath.