OUR FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS
Arleen M. Kaptur
Do you remember the fun of running under a sprinkler as a child?
It was a hot, sunny day and the cold water made the summer’s
heat tolerable and even enjoyable. Well, now you can offer the
same relief from the heat to our fine feathered friends.
Providing a birdbath not only enhances your yard but brings the
pleasure of watching and enjoying the myriad of birds that will
thank you with their songs and their antics. A bird bath does
not have to be an expensive item. It can be as simple as a
shallow pan perched on a tree stump for stability.
There are a few items to consider when you place a bird bath in
your garden. Birds prefer shallow water, approximately 1-2
inches. Anything more than that is considered a danger to them
and they will avoid it. Also, the bottom should have a rough
surface. They appreciate having a solid footing. You should also
place your bath in clear view or an open section of the garden.
Predators have a tendency to lurk in shrub and low lying plants
and birds prefer a clear view so that they can ascertain danger.
A few simple precautions and birds will be waiting in the wings
to have the privilege of your birdbath.
Once you find the perfect place, then concentrate on attracting
these wonderful winged delights. Having food nearby will help.
They will notice your birdbath a lot quicker and begin using it.
Also the sound of water will attract them. When you are watering
your lawn or garden, keep it on a fine mist as the sound of the
water will also bring birds in from near and far. Once you have
established a population of feathered beauties, remember to keep
the bath clean. Algae and mud can be a health hazard to the
birds, and who would want to step into dirty water anyway? Also,
refill with water as necessary, especially in the hot months.
Water evaporates and birds need the water to maintain a healthy
life balance. If you can, have your bath near some perching
branches or tree limbs. After bathing, birds enjoy preening
their feathers and making themselves beautiful!
Your birdbath can be a wonderful addition to your garden
setting, in the summer as well as the winter months. While your
plants sleep away the cold, birds still need water and many
local watering holes may be frozen over and not provide the
liquid they need. Also, there are different birds in each
season, and you will be amazed that you never noticed them
before. If your bath is shallow, simply knocking out the ice and
providing clean water will keep them happy during the coldest
days.
A fun project is to keep a diary of the birds you see in any
given season. Compare notes and see which ones are just passing
through and which take up housekeeping. The colors are a sight
to behold, and their activities will entice both adult and child
to watch and enjoy. Birds can be a very welcome addition into
your spot in the world. Treat them with a few amenities and they
will reward you handsomely. Wherever you live, there are birds
that will take delight in the necessities you have provided, and
listen very carefully - you will hear them thanking you with
their song - a chorus of chirping, singing, and other bird
sounds is very entertaining. They have different songs for
difference occasions. See if you can tell the difference and
soon you will know if they are sending out an alarm to the other
birds, courting a possible mate, or just enjoying the afternoon.
It can become a lifelong hobby, and a very enjoyable one at
that. Your picture perfect garden just got a little prettier,
and a lot more musical. ENJOY ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June
