Bird baths are a must for bird enthusiasts!
Birds need water for drinking and bathing in all climates.
Most of all, providing an unfrozen water source to your thirsty friends is a must in winter.
Essential Tips for Bird Baths in Winter
Follow these tips to maximize your results during the coldest parts of the year.
1. Shallow Water is Best
You only need a couple inches of water. It it safer for birds by reducing risk of drowning.
Plus it conserves water when you need to change them often to keep the water safe for birds.
2. Already got a bird bath?
Consider adding a bird bath liner. The dark color of the liner helps retain more heat than your bird bath would without one. You can also use a de-icer with it to keep temps up and water unfrozen.
This way if you already have a lovely bird bath you can simply add a feature or two to go the extra mile.
- Related: 10 Shocking Facts About Bald Eagles
3. Keep the Water Moving
Moving water is less likely to freeze, and in warm temperatures, will keep bugs like mosquitos from breeding.
Add a bird bath fountain.
Floating objects like ping pong balls or rubber ducks can help keep water unfrozen, too.
Refer to the manufacturers instructions to see if your deicer can be simultaneously used with a water agitator or bird bath fountain.
4. Change Water Often
Birds and other animals can easily spread parasites and disease in bird baths. Dirt and oil from feathers can cause buildup in the water, too. Change the water out every few days to keep it clean.
5. Attract birds with feeders and houses
Making your yard inviting is easier than you think. Add a bird house like the Wild Wings Cedar Blue Bird Box House to make your yard a bird hot spot.
Make sure to space them appropriately. Locate the feeder a few yards away from any bird houses to help birds feel safe.
A tray or platform feeder like the Beako Smart Feeder with solar roof is a popular option.
6. Avoid chemicals
Nothing good comes of them when it comes to bird baths and drinking water. There are no chemicals you can add to keep the water from freezing that won't hurt the birds.
Stick to plain water, changed regularly to keep it free from disease and debris.
7. Use shrubs and plants for safety
Native plants and shrubs for shelter and food is another great way to attract birds to your yard this winter.
Natural shelter and food like Holly, Juniper, and Serviceberry are excellent plants to incorporate in your landscaping. These provide shelter for small to mid-size birds-- the ones who'll visit bird baths.
Shelter makes birds feel safe. Birds who have nearby retreat from predators will visit your bird baths.
Keep them in planters and plant when the ground thaws in the spring.
What birds have you seen at your bird bath?
Share them on the Sparkbird App! Available in the Apple App Store.
- Related: How to Use the Sparkbird App
