birds unlimited - Garden Bird Baths

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Garden Bird Baths - A Refreshing Attraction For Your Local Bird Friends

Ain't nothing like a cool refreshing plunge into a pool on a hot summers day. You know the invigorating feeling you get as you reward yourself with water? Birds like to be rewarded in the same way.

Water is a wonderful way to attract birdies to your neck of the woods and necessary piece of the puzzle when creating a great experience when visiting your yard. Wild birds need drinking water and bathing water and will seek out areas where this supply is constant. There are possibly many birds in your area that may not visit the seed feeders, such as the bluebird who prefer worms and grubs, but will make great use of a bird bath. Bird baths come in all shapes and sizes, heights and weights, decorated and plain. There are garden bird baths out there that will meet the need regardless of your economical situation or decorative preference. The fact of the matter is, a garden bird bath is essential in attracting your local bird friends. Here are some steps to consider when planting a garden bird bath in your yard.

• A bird bath shouldn't be a very deep pool, but a shallow puddle of water. Birds prefer to wade into the water and not just "cannon ball" their way in.
• The edges of your garden bird bath should not be more than a half inch deep and should feature a gradual slope to a maximum depth of about 2 inches. This will also

aide in the wading process. Also make sure that when choosing a bath, the depth of the water's edge is no greater than ½ inch, providing a slope for the birds to walk into like a beach experience. Remember, we don't just want the birds to drink from it, but we want to provide a place for them to bathe.
• The bottom of your bird bath should not be smooth, like a baby's bottom, but rather textured as this provides a good foot grip for the birds when wading in the water. Something slightly rigid or with little bumps will work just fine. Typically your potential smooth bottom bird baths, like copper, come with rigid bottoms, but be sure to find out before purchasing one.
• If you want to allow for more than just a couple birds, consider the diameter and make sure it is anywhere from 20 to 24 inches. Smaller bath's will still be used, especially for drinking. Smaller baths are great for limited space, limited finances or for deck use. For those living in smaller quarters, you can still set up a smaller bath for your local birds to drink and bathe in.

Not only are these garden bird bath's a great attraction for your local feathered friends, but also compliment the care you have put into your yard. Now that we've talked about this, your probably ready to jump in the pool or go and take a cold shower. I know I am. Happy Birding!

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tube bird feeders

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Bird Feeders: Landscaping For Birds
By Kelvin Brown
As people learn to enjoy the beauty of birds around their home, they may wish to improve the "habitat" in their yard so that more birds will visit their property. Let’s look at planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract birds. These can provide good nesting sites, winter shelter, places to hide from predators and natural food supplies that are available year-round.


Beautiful landscaping isn’t only for attracting birds. It can increase your property value, provide natural beauty, and become a playground for young ones as various wildlife is attracted to your yard.

Landscaping for birds involves nine basic principles:

1. Food
Every bird species has its own unique food requirements that may change as the seasons change. Learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. Then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide the fruits, berries, seeds, acorns, and nectar.

2. Water
You may be able to double the number of bird species in your yard by providing a source of water. A frog pond, water garden, or bird bath will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing or moving.

3. Shelter
Birds need places where they can hide from predators and escape from severe weather. Trees (including dead ones), shrubs, tall grass and bird houses provide excellent shelter.

4. Diversity
The best landscaping plan is one that includes a variety of native plants. This helps attract the most bird species.

5. Four Seasons
Give the birds food and shelter

throughout the year by planting a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers that provide year-round benefits.

6. Arrangement
Properly arrange the different habitat components in your yard. Consider the effects of prevailing winds (and snow drifting) so your yard will be protected from harsh winter weather.

7. Protection
Birds should be protected from unnecessary mortality. When choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider their accessibility to predators. Picture windows can also be dangerous for birds. They tend to fly directly at windows when they see the reflection of trees and shrubs.
A network of parallel, vertical strings spaced 4 inches apart can be placed on the outside of windows to prevent this problem. Be cautious about the kinds of herbicides and pesticides used in your yard. Apply them only when necessary and strictly according to label instructions. In fact, try gardening and lawn care without using pesticides. Details can be found in gardening books at the library.

8. Hardiness Zones
When considering plants not native to your area, consult a plant hardiness zone map, found in most garden catalogues. Make sure the plants you want are rated for the winter hardiness zone classification of your area.

9. Soils and Topography
Consult your local garden center, university or county extension office to have your soil tested. Plant species are often adapted to certain types of soils. If you know what type of soil you have, you can identify the types of plants that will grow best in your yard.
Kelvin Brown, author of the Introduction to Bird Watching, is a nature and bird lover. You can get additional information by visiting www.avidbirdwatching.com

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