It’s important to stay hydrated in this heat, and birds are no exception to this tenet. By installing a birdbath, you can help those looking to cool off or have a drink.
Some tips before you move forward:
Birdbaths should be an extension of what visitors such as finches, thrushes, and wrens look for in nature (puddles essentially), meaning that they need to be shallow – up to one inch at the edge, and 2 inches in the center - with a gentle slope to the middle. It is possible for a bird to drown in water that is too deep. To make the basin even more inviting, one can add rocks or sticks for perching.
Ideally, the water should be moving as well. Still, stagnant water will not attract many birds. There are bubblers, drippers, sprayers and fountains on the market. If you want to save money, you can punch a hole at the bottom of a bucket or bottle and let water drop into the water bowl. Additionally, make sure that the water temperature is not too hot or cold for the weather. If it’s warm outside, it’ll help to have the receptacle in the shade.
Ensure that the birdbath is not too exposed. With predators lurking nearby, such as hawks or the neighborhood cat, small birds cannot afford to splash around in the middle of a yard with no immediate trees or bushes to hide in. As for height, the bath should be on the ground or just a couple feet above it; again, this is to mirror as much as possible what occurs in nature.
Photo of a black-capped chickadee by Ennif Pendahl
Keep the basin clean, ideally by changing the water every 1-2 days and scrubbing it every 2-4 days. Per the National Audubon Society, use water and vinegar to clean and not soap or detergent, as this could inadvertently remove essential oils from feathers. To make it easier for you, choose a basin that is easy to clean and stay away from concrete which can be difficult to sanitize.
Don’t forget that birdbaths can be useful in the winter as well! A plastic bowl works; just take it inside when the water freezes over. A heated birdbath is another option. Never pour in antifreeze, which is poisonous, or glycerin, which can seep into feathers and cause hypothermia. It is also sweet tasting, so birds may overindulge drinking the delicious water and lethally raise their blood sugar level.
You could also use this opportunity to make your area more bird-friendly! Grow some native plants, hang up some feeders, and build some nesting boxes to attract more birds to your space.
Feeling like some DIY? Many birdbaths sold are good for decorative purposes, but not truly conducive to giving birds what they need to drink and bathe. Consider making one yourself! You can use, for instance, a trash can lid or frying pan. Even a cake pan or the tray underneath a flowerpot could work if they are shallow enough. Add some rocks to not only allow for easy perching but also help birds assess the depth of the bath.
Having a birdbath is a rewarding experience! You are doing a service for birds looking for a reliable water source and a place to get clean. In return, you can enjoy watching all the avian wildlife who come to visit.