- Bath Heaters & Deicers, Bird Accessories, Bird Bath, Bird Baths, Birding Accessories, Heated Bird Bath, Misters and Birdbath Drippers, Uncategorized, Water Wiggler
From heated bird baths to moving water in a snap!
It really doesn’t take a bird bath to make a bird bath! Does that make sense? Years ago, this cool rock-like, poly-resin planter caught my eye. Because of the shallow depth, the perfect birdbath set on a tree stump came to mind.During winter months, this portable bath heater is added quickly and easily, creating one of several heated bird baths in the yard, and the birds use them all!
Today, with the warm sunny weather, and extended forecast for warmer than average temps, the heaters were removed (just as easily) cleaned up, and put in storage for next winter. Out came the water wigglers and bath drippers, which will be in constant use for about, oh, the next eight months or so. Yeah!!
If the birds liked the heated bird baths… they go absolutely bonkers for these fab bird bath accessories! Because moving water is where it’s at as far as birds are concerned. Both resident and migratory birds are attracted to moving water. I like it because bird baths stay cleaner longer, and knowing that mosquitoes can not lay their eggs in my baths is a good thing. Due of the mild winter, it’s going to be a buggy-enough season as it is, and having birds (and bats) around will greatly reduce insect populations the natural way.
If you’re hesitant about having a bird bath with standing water in your yard, you can easily remedy the situation by adding water wigglers, bath drippers or misters to keep water moving and fresher. And, it doesn’t even take a traditional type birdbath, as a deep plant saucer, or shallow dish makes the perfect bath! Two to three inches is the optimal depth. Anything deeper, should have a large rock in the center to serve as a landing spot or perch. With fresh water in the yard (especially moving water), you’ll entice more species of birds, even those who may not visit your feeders. -
use bird baths to attract more beaked buddies to your place
Complete with copper dripper, the empty bird bath did have water in it. But with fast and furious action, this Robin managed to splish-splash and empty it in moments!Constant ripples formed by the dripper function really do attract birds. The moving water grabs their attention and lures them in. Birds who never touch your feeders, and birds who never nest in houses are some birds who will visit bird baths.
Fresh water is such a great way to attract birds to your place! An unlimited supply, inexpensive, and so very simple, it’s a life source that all creatures need for survival. Although there are some real beauties out there for decorative purposes or functional art, fancy bird baths are not necessary.
On the deck, patio, tree stump, or ground, a simple plant saucer works wonders. Even placed on an up-turned flower pot, any saucer or dish filled with water will entice birds.
Keeping the water fresh is really the only requirement. And if cats roam around the yard, it’s a good idea to raise bird
baths off the ground to give birds a bit of security. The optimal water depth for birds to bathe and wade comfortably is just 2-3 inches.Here’s a nifty accessory for converting cool pots and decorative containers into bird baths, no matter how deep the container. It’s called the Bird Bath Raft and it floats on top of the container, allowing a small amount of water onto the raft. This innovative idea makes it easier than ever to add a fresh water source for birds… enticing new visitors to your place in no time at all!
- Bird Accessories, Bird Feeders, Birding Accessories, Bluebird Feeders, Fruit, Jelly & Mealworm Feeders, Mealworm Feeder, Uncategorized, Wild Bird Feeders
The dish style mealworm feeder offers various feed options
Hey lady! What’s up with the Mealworm Feeder?This little plexiglass dish get big traffic in our yard! When live mealworms are placed in it (most times twice a day) all bets are off. The bird traffic is fast and furious, first come, first served!
Originally meant for our Bluebirds – the Chickadees and Titmice quickly learned of the treasure. So, the Bluebirds soon received their own enclosed mealworm feeder, although Carolina Wrens have since figured that out as well!
Feeding live worms can get expensive when everybody’s in on the coveted treat, and I mean everybody! Even the Robins get a few worms in a glass dish that’s left on the ground. And I can’t stand when the crows get to them first!
Unless you have the time and patience to cultivate your own worms, ordering in bulk quantities is easier on the wallet. The worms really aren’t that expensive… it’s the shipping that gets ya! Since they’re live, overnight delivery is required for warmer temperatures. For a few months out of the year (depending on your location) a second-day delivery works fine.
Gradually decreasing the amount of worms, and adding a home-made suet mixture in this meal worm feeder landed a “so-so” reaction from most of our beaked buddies. This Pine Warbler has a mouthful of the stuff, (which is why his beak looks fat & white) but just look at that expression! It’s like “excuse me, where are my worms?”
This mealworm dish actually has drainage, but many similar styles do not, making them perfect for offering water too. In summer, fresh fruit is a great choice for migratory birds, while suet mixtures & crumbles, and shelled peanuts are good options for cold weather feeding.
Offering live worms has created a whole new dimension to our backyard birding experiences. Definitely worth giving it a try if you’ve never fed them before, especially if bluebirds are in the area. And Robins adore them too! But if you don’t want the birds eating you out of house and home… a more traditional, or enclosed mealworm feeder may be your better choice.
Birding Tips, Information & News
