Birdbaths
If you have a bird feeder in your yard and want to see more birds, install a birdbath. There are many species of birds that do not eat at feeders, but all birds need to drink. Debbi Bruce from Wild Birds Unlimited talks about the different kinds of baths available, how to take care of baths, and some accessories that will pull the birds in.
There are several basic bath options from a saucer of water to a classic pedestal bath to a hanging bath. For all baths, the water should be less than two inches deep. In the hot weather mosquitoes can breed in birdbaths. To prevent this change the water in the bath every three days or install something that will move the water like a dripper or a small pump or fountain which she demonstrates. Moving water will attract the birds too. When you change the bath water, scrub your bath out with a brush. Once a month deep clean your bath with a bleach solution (1-part bleach or vinegar to 9-parts water) to kill the algae. If your bath is too large to dump, you can add a natural enzyme solution to remove the algae without harming the birds. In the winter, birdbaths can freeze. If you put in an electric de-icer it will keep the water liquid, so the birds can still use it. If you have the only liquid water around you will have lots of birds. To attract hummingbirds, you can use a mister which they will fly through.
Related Videos:
Birdhouses
Setting Up a Bird Feeder
Related Resources:
Water for Wildlife: Bird Baths and Backyard Ponds
There are several basic bath options from a saucer of water to a classic pedestal bath to a hanging bath. For all baths, the water should be less than two inches deep. In the hot weather mosquitoes can breed in birdbaths. To prevent this change the water in the bath every three days or install something that will move the water like a dripper or a small pump or fountain which she demonstrates. Moving water will attract the birds too. When you change the bath water, scrub your bath out with a brush. Once a month deep clean your bath with a bleach solution (1-part bleach or vinegar to 9-parts water) to kill the algae. If your bath is too large to dump, you can add a natural enzyme solution to remove the algae without harming the birds. In the winter, birdbaths can freeze. If you put in an electric de-icer it will keep the water liquid, so the birds can still use it. If you have the only liquid water around you will have lots of birds. To attract hummingbirds, you can use a mister which they will fly through.
Related Videos:
Birdhouses
Setting Up a Bird Feeder
Related Resources:
Water for Wildlife: Bird Baths and Backyard Ponds