Why Should I Offer Water?

All wildlife needs water.

Some birds and animals get a majority of moisture from berries and plant nectar, But most animals and birds need to take frequent trips to their source.

In our yards, it might be a birdbath,dripper or pool. Birdbaths may attract a greater variety of birds to your yard. Birds that might not otherwise stop by.Especially if you have a dripper or mister set up.

Many critters stop by under the cover of darkness for a drink.Animals you may not even know about.

You may see butterflies and bumble bees sitting at the edge licking up some fresh H2O.

Birds, you will find them all hours of the day stopping by for a quick drink and a bath.

This varies with birds.

Species that live in mature woods and forests like tohees and Varied Thruish are cautious with there approach and prefer water right near protective cover.

Swallows get their drink on the fly. Swooping down over a pond or lake and catching a mouthful.

Most birds however, prefer water in the open so they can be on the look out for predators and close enough to protection for a quick getaway and a place to preen.

These birds will approach the water source by standing on a fence or a tree first. Then if all is clear they will move in.

Most songbirds can't swim, so they look for shallow water. Observe birds in nature and you will notice they are at shallow mud puddles and the edge of slow moving streams.

Once birds find a reliable source, they will return.

Birds seek out water all year. Summer droughts and heat make it more necessary to find a good source.

In the cold snowy areas, birds seek out snow melt. If there isn't any in liquid form, birds will eat snow. This is not good. By eating snow, it lowers a birds body temperature. When the body temperature decreases, more energy is required to be bring it back up. Energy needed to survive the cold day and night ahead.

It's also important for migrating birds. By having a fresh source, warblers may stop by, otherwise may not see these birds

Yet birds like Rose breasted grosbeaks may like what you offer and spend the summer to raise a family or two.

Birds are fun to watch when they are drinking and bathing. Enjoy their antics.

Some birds like Northern cardinals and American goldfinches will rub against foliage after a rain or sprinkling. This is called leafing.

Hummingbirds leaf as well, but enjoy a fly through sprinklers and misters.

Chickadees love to sit on drippers.

Moving water will attract even more birds to your yard.

All wildlife needs water.

What about a birdbath?

Where should it be located?

How high off the ground or can I place it on the ground?

How deep should it be?

These are all good questions. Birdbaths can be a plant saucer or on a shallow bowl on a pedistal.

What is a dripper and where do I find or make one?

What about a mister as a source of water? How does it work and where can I find one?

A bird creek?

WOW, Can I actually make a bird creek?

Water gardens?

Water gardening is the fastest growing facet of gardening

How to build a water garden. It can be a simple as a bucket on your deck or go all out and make one as elaborate as you want.

You need some time and patience, for a this type of garden. However, once it is up and running you are in for a treat.

Now you will really attract some neat wildlife now.


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