|
|
|
|
Bird Bath
Plain, fancy, do-it-yourself or even heated bird baths - our review!
Every birdwatching enthusiast knows that a bird bath (or 2, or 3, or 4) is an essential
part of any bird-friendly garden. Birds truly value the opportunity to cleanse their
feathers of dust and mite buildup that can hinder flight and health. By providing a clean
source of water, you will be helping your feathered friends to bathe in a safe location,
rather than having to rely on puddles they find in street gutters, which are full of
toxic petroleum residues.
|
The fun part comes in when you choose what kind of bathing facility you want to offer
the wild birds in your neighborhood. A beautiful bird bath can be the focal point of
even the most elegant garden. If your garden is on the shady side, a copper bird bath
will catch any available light, reflect it and brighten a dark spot in the yard. Dense
shrubs and trees are favourite gathering places for wild birds such as the Rufous-sided
Towhee, the Bushtit and the California Quail, so these areas can be an excellent setting
for your bird bath.
In the colder regions of the U.S., big-hearted birdwatchers provide a heated bird bath
to supply water to thirsty birds who are unable to chip through ice for a drink. You can purchase
a bird bath heater / bird bath warmer to add to a regular bird bath if you experience freezing
temperatures in your zone. A bird bath 'de icer' of this kind can make all the
difference to the birds you're hoping to help through the winter.
Also, for those terrific energy-conscious bird watchers, a solar
bird bath can harness the powers of the sun to aid wild birds during the harsh seasons of the year.
|
On the opposite end of the temperature spectrum, a mosaic bird bath adds great charm to the
mediterranean-style gardens so popular in sunny California. If you're aiming for an Italian
look in any state, choose colours like indigo blue, sea green and terra cota orange for the
tiles of your mosaic bird bath. Some creative bird watchers make their own! Just be sure
to use a non-toxic substance when adhering tiles.
A stone or concrete bird bath offers sturdiness, even in windy coastal areas, and ceramic bird baths range
from classic to chintzy - whatever your taste! At American Bird Guide, we do tell folks
to steer clear of plastic bird baths for a variety of reasons. Apart from durability issues,
the chemicals contained in the composition of plastics may be harmful to birds.
|
|
Another consideration when choosing a bird bath is the height it will be placed at. You have
3 main options. A hanging bird bath is a boon to those with limited garden space. Even an apartment
balcony can offer birds a valuable pitstop. Pedestal bird baths are most common and will be
frequented by the largest percentage of wild birds - blue birds, scrub jays, finches, sparrows, etc.
However, we'd like to report that our favourite bird bath at American Bird Guide is the ground
level bird bath we've provided. It couldn't be simpler. We took a terra cota pot plant saucer,
about 15 inches in diameter, set it on two flat bricks under our apple tree, and you wouldn't
believe how much our wild bird friends appreciate it. Towhees, Quails, Juncos and other birds
who wouldn't normally hop up to a pedestal feeder really make the most of this simple, cheap
bird bath.
Please make sure you change the water frequently in your bird bath - not only for the birds' health,
but for yours, too. Out here in California, we have a major mosquito problem in the summer, and if
we don't change the water daily, we are providing something we sure don't want to - a breeding
ground for those pesky stingers! Standing water is a no-no in any mosquito-troubled area. Hose
the bird bath out daily.
As a last word, we'd like to address all those inquiries about the Laugh and Learn Learning
Bird Bath. This is a toy for toddlers...not an outdoor garden feature. But, hey, it's a cute
toy and you can't begin to nurture a child's love of birds too early, as far as we're concerned.
May we suggest that in addition to giving your child this toy, you also carry baby to the window
and begin showing them the real birds outside at the bird feeder and bath? We have a genius
niece who could identify 20 local birds by the age of 3. We made her flash cards. She's 10 now,
and she remembers them all...plus she's learned to spot a great many more. What a great girl!
Teaching children to have concern for the other creatures in their environment is going to be
vital in our quest to save the planet. What better way to begin than by teaching that all creatures
need a safe, clean place to drink and to bathe!
|
|
- Read the Latest News from the Birding Sonoma County Blog -
|
|
|
Tomales Bay State Park Closure - One Upset Birder
January 22, 2008, Point Reyes, CA
Governor Schwarzenegger is planning to close our beautiful, sacred Tomales Bay State Park
in Marin County along with 42 other desperately-needed and exuberantly cherished state
parks throughout California. Closing all of these wonderful parks would not even take us
1% in the direction of being back in the black. And think of what will have been lost. Read Article »
|
|
|
Bay Area Oil Spill A Disaster For Birds
November 11, 2007, Kenwood, CA
When the Cosco Busan crashed into the Bay Bridge, every birder I know immediately thought
of what this disaster would mean for the birds. In addition to our beloved birds, whales
will be swimming through the oil, as will seals, sea lions and other marine mammals. West
Marin is one of my favorite places on earth, and to see it thus spoiled fills me with
sorrow and anger. Read Article »
|
|
|
Bewick's Wren - A hidden Bay Area bird worth seeking!
October 7, 2007, Glen Ellen, CA
Today, we'll turn our gaze on Bewick's Wren, Thryomanes bewickii, one of the larger
SF Bay Area Wrens. Bewick's Wren, like most wrens, will instantly strike you as being
'all-tail'. Identification clue number one for wrens is that they tend to hold their tails
up-turned, as if in proud of their lovely plumes. Read Article »
|
|
|
The White-crowned Sparrow has returned!
September 24, 2007, Kenwood, CA
This trusty little bird disappeared when the weather heated up, early in the year, heading
north to cooler Canada. Just this afternoon, my husband called me to the window excitedly.
There, at the foot of the photinia hedge, a lone White-crowned Sparrow was hopping humbly
through the green grass. Read Article »
|
|
|
