 |
| A juvenile scrub jay enjoys a cool drink. Photo by J.J. Meyer |
We can help our backyard birds by providing a clean water source for drinking and bathing.
Having a fountain or birdbath helps
attract species that do not visit backyard birdfeeders. All birds are attracted to moving water. In the absence of a pump, small battery
powered gadgets such as the Water Wiggler available at garden and nature stores
help keep the water moving in a birdbath.
Stagnant water can play host to mosquito larvae, which is factor in the
spread of West Nile Virus. It’s also
important to clean the birdbath every few days, especially in the heat.
Consider adding a mister or dripper
to your birdbath for hummingbirds and other species that love to shower. Watching birds fly through a mister is like
watching children at a waterpark. Large
open rose blooms that collect over spray from misters and sprinklers act as
nature’s bathtubs for hummers.
Happy Birding!
J.J.
No comments:
Post a Comment