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Adding A Birdbath To Your Lawn Or Garden
by Rick Rouse
http://www.rlrouse.com
Every child knows that running under a sprinkler or
being sprayed by a water hose is a fun way to cool off on
a hot summer day. Cool water always makes the summer's
heat tolerable and even enjoyable. You can offer the same
relief from the heat to the birds in your backyard!
By installing a simple birdbath, you will make your yard
more attractive while also being able to enjoy the pleasure
of watching a large variety of birds playing and splashing
around in the cool pool of water.
Your new birdbath doesn't need to be expensive. It can be
as simple as a shallow pan filled with
water placed on your lawn. Or if you want to go all out,
you can build or purchase an exquisite concrete birdbath
complete with fountain. Or you can choose something in
between. The choice is yours and the birds won't care how
much you spend. They'll love whatever you provide for them
to bathe and play in.
There are a few things to consider when you place a
birdbath on your lawn or in your garden. Birds prefer
shallow water (no more than 1-2 inches). If the water is
deeper than that they will
avoid it out of fear.
Also, the bottom of the birdbath should have a fairly rough
surface. Birds feel more comfortable
when they have a solid footing.
You should also place your birdbath in an open area of your
lawn or garden. Predators such as cats like to hide in
shrubs and foliage waiting for an opportunity to catch
birds unaware. Birds prefer to have a clear view of the
surrounding area so that they can keep an eye out for
danger.
If you follow these suggestions, you'll have lots of birds
that are eager to take advantage of your new birdbath!
After you have found the most appropriate location for your
birdbath and installed it, you can then concentrate on
attracting the birds to it. Having a ready supply of food
nearby is an excellent way to attract your feathered
friends. If you keep a well-stocked birdfeeder near the
birdbath they will eat their fill and then splash around in
the water for a few minutes.
The sound of splashing water will also help attract birds
to your birdbath. You should consider using a fountain with
your birdbath (a simple water hose set to a fine mist will
do). Also, if you water your lawn or garden, keeping the
sprinkler set to a fine mist will make an attractive sound
to entice birds from near and far.
Always be sure to keep the birdbath clean. Dirt and waste
can make birds sick. Also, birds need a steady supply of
clean, cool water in order to remain healthy. Re-supply the
birdbath with fresh water often during the hot summer
months. Water evaporates quickly and it is splashed away to
the ground by the birds. If possible, place your birdbath
near some tree branches. If a tree
is nearby, the birds will play in the branches after
bathing, providing lots of enjoyment for you as well as for
them!
Your new birdbath will be a wonderful addition to your lawn
and garden in the winter time as well as the summer.
Although most plants go dormant in the winter, birds
continue to need a water source and many local streams and
ponds may well be frozen over and not provide the water
they need in order to survive and remain healthy. Also,
there are different species of birds around in the winter
time as opposed to the summer. Be sure to keep your
birdbath free of ice and filled with water during cold
weather. The water is useless to birds if it is only
available as a block
of ice!
A birdbath will add beauty to your lawn and provide year
after year of pleasure, for you as well as for your
feathered friends!
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