Bird Baths in Your Yard

HOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEE

Has summer come in with a bang!

Heat waves everywhere.

And where is the rain?

Yolanda is at camp this week.

She gets so excited.

She can remember that camp is a fun time for her, yet she can't remember or tell you what she did during the week or her last day there.

A few miles west of Grand Rapids is "Indian Trails Camp."

Indian Trails is a special camp for special needs people of all ages.

Camp is staffed with a registered nurse and camp counselors.

The counselors are college students. Many of them come from other countries that are studying and training in a special needs field.

Last year there was a counselor from Australia, Yolanda thought he was a HUNK!

It's a good respite for all.

Mom is dealing with another bout of pneumonia.

They brought her to the hospital for a 12 hour stay and she's still at the nursing home.

I just don't know any more, I weep every time I leave her.

BIRDBATHS.

Recently I have had several questions on and about birdbaths.

So........ I will address many of these questions again.

Now for you old timers......... you can still read this anyway.

Birdbaths come in many different shapes and styles. From a several hundred dollar fancy one to something as simple as a terra cotta saucer.

All too often, the fancy ones are more of a hassle to clean and keep clean.

The sculpting and flowers are a magnet for trapping dirt and algae.

They can have the proper dimensions and work great as a bath and a quick drink. Just remember they are extra work to maintain.

The width of the bowl isn't a problem.

A problem can occur when the bowl is too deep.

A proper depth for a birdbath is 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep.

Anything deeper without a raised flat surface (stone or brick) can be asking for trouble in the way of drowning or birds unable to escape quickly.

It's true, I have a clay bowl 3 inches deep for my robins and bluejays.

I also have a raised flat surface in the middle.

A Petoskey stone I found one year in the Little Traverse Bay at Bayview, Michigan.

It makes a nice added surface and a bit of a conversation piece for visitors to see a Petoskey stone that size.

We also have a two-tiered concrete bath on the tree stump style.

This is a left over from the years we owned our wild bird specialty store.

It's very functional and gets used, but it takes more time and care to clean.

Still, I like it in my yard as an added feature.

The easiest one to clean and the one that gets used the most is a simple two piece concrete birdbath.

The bowl is 1 1/2 inches deep and has a bit of a raised surface in the middle.

It is a neutral color and a plain surface.

My smaller birds as well as my mourning doves are at this bath all the time.

We need to fill it constantly it seems and it needs sanitizing more often.

THINK LIKE A BIRD.

I keep bringing that up don't I?

Thinking like a bird does not mean bird brained : )

Take notice as to where birds congregate for a bath, some playtime and a drink.

A simple mud puddle or where the sprinklers puddle up on streets and sidewalks.

Nature's way of water for birds.

Natural looking sources will help attract birds to your yard and birdbaths.

Earth tone colors.

Tan, brown, terra cotta, gray etc.

Are you getting the idea now?

Natural feeling and looking surfaces.

Stay away from pretty colors like bright blues and greens.

These bright colors are usually found on the glazed baths which as a BIG NO, NO!

Oh sure, the glazed baths are nice and easy to clean, but how often are they getting used?

A glazed bath is also an invitation to a potential death or two.

Birds need something to grip, something to hold onto and feel safe.

Too often a thirsty bird or a juvenile will fall in and drown.

Young birds are clueless to life's traps and dangers.

They see water or just a place to perch and may easily fall in.

Bigger birds like robins and smaller birds that may be perching, lose grips as well.

A soaking wet bird is slow in flight and a poor surface impedes flight a split second longer.

In nature, that fraction of a second can mean life or death.

Location, Location, Location.

A common phrase in business.

Also an important phrase when it comes to locating a birdbath.

Your bath(s) should be out in the open yet near protection.

An oxymoron?

Not really.

A bath should be placed in an opening or where nothing is growing, yet make sure there is a shrub or a tree near by.

Birds need to find a safe place to perch while they preen themselves.

A wet bird is a slow bird.

All of my baths are within 15 feet of a tree or other protection.

If you plant anything around your bath, make sure it is a low growing plant.

Cats will hide in your garden and pounce on your unsuspecting birds if givin the chance to do so.

Danger also comes from the sky, but birds will be looking for hawks

Also, place your source of water where you can enjoy the action.

Place it where it is easy for you to keep clean and filled.

I can't number the times I've seen an empty or filthy birdbath that is totally ignored because it is located as a piece of yard art, not as a birdbath.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Well, you've got your birdbaths or other sources of water.

Now how do you keep it clean?

This isn't rocket science, yet many people neglect this task.

Maintaining is more efficient then having to do a total scrub all the time.

Yes, it's true a good cleaning is needed and you will know when it's needed.

Here are a couple of things that I have found that work for me.

Near dusk, if my bath needs filling, I will refill with fresh water and put a cap or two of chlorine bleach into the water.

This keeps germs and algae down between cleanings and the chlorine will have oxidized by morning.

My favorite stuff is the oxygen bleach products.

I use this on a lot of things.

I was reminded by a dear friend that this stuff foams up some.

My apologies for not making that all too clear.

I can use my Oxi-Boost any time of day and feel safe.

It sanitizes and kills algae, even when my birds take a sip.

They don't mind a little foaming action.

I sprinkle in just enough around the edges and a bit in the middle and let it go to work.

Experiment on this one until you find what works for you.

I would guess a table spoon full.

I like this stuff because it is all natural, environment friendly, won't stain my clothes or if spilled, kill my plants.

The only drawback is it leaves a white residue when water evaporates.

I can live with that, however.

Every now and then, a good scrubbing is needed.

Especially on baths that have grooves and patterns.

Even worse to clean, are the ones with stone embedded.

If using chlorine or another harsh cleaner, place your bowl on a neutral surface like a driveway.

Let it soak for several minutes and then scrub.

Rinse and re-rinse.

Oxygen bleach can be done right where it stands without a problem.

I appreciate all the questions and inquirers.

Keep them coming and I will do my best to help out.

Whew.............. I'm pooped.

I hope this has been some help for you.

Hey............. until next time my friend.

Have a blessed week and I look forward to chatting with you all.

Remember to SMILE.

Ron

Ronald Patterson, has been caring and feeding wildbirds in his backyard for more then 40 years. Ron and his wife Karen also owned and operated a wild bird specialty store for many years. With his gardening skills and knowledge as a Michigan Certified Nurseryman, Ron publishes a weekly newsletter called Backyard Birding Tips. http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/ Sign up now and learn how to attract, garden and care for wild birds in your backyard. Ron, Karen and their daughter Yolanda live in the Grand Rapids Michigan area. http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/

---

Canopy Swings - Escape the Weather with One

Do you love to sit outdoors and swing for hours but have to cut your relaxing excursions short due to the intense sun or brief summer showers?... Read More

Teak Planters - Accent Your Outdoor Space with One

Do you want to add something to your outdoor space that will take it from beautiful to breathtaking? Do you have all of the right teak furniture... Read More

Fuchsia procumbens

Fuchsia (named after Leonhard Fuchs, a 16th century German botanist) is a genus of over 100 species of shrubs and small trees. Although there are four New... Read More

Lawn Edging

How do you make those flowers bloom where they are planted and not go overboard and how do you make your turf stick to its own turf... Read More

Best Perennial Plants for Summer Color

Summer is here and it's time to plant and enjoy the beautiful flowers that blossom during the heat of the season. A perennial plant is one that... Read More

How to Water Your Houseplants Wisely

Over watering ranks first in causes of houseplant demise because it causes roots to rot. Most plants are tough so they can recover from under watering with... Read More

Getting Started with Garden and Patio Design

The art of managing outdoor space Designing a patio - or a garden, is much like designing a living room or a park. It's all about space,... Read More

Bird Baths in Your Yard

HOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEHas summer come in with a bang!Heat waves everywhere.And where is the rain?Yolanda is at camp this week.She gets so excited.She can remember that camp is a... Read More

Unique Flowers make a memorable gift!

Think "outside of the box" when sending your next floral gift! The possibilities are endless! Floral Design is an art and florists can customize a masterpiece of... Read More

Lazy Fish Worries

If your fish hang out at the bottom of the pond, or act restless and lazy, then it's likely that your pond is suffering from poor aeration.When... Read More

How To Build A Waterfall

The number one, most asked question that I receive about water features is "How do I build a waterfall?"The first advice I give is to visit natural... Read More

Gardening--Fun and Frugal!

Whether you are an avid vegetable gardener, a beginning herb gardener or just like to have a pretty yard, these frugal tips may help you save a... Read More

Potting Benches: Beautiful and Practical

Do you love spending time outdoors in your garden creating beautiful floral arrangements that can be enjoyed by all? Do you spend more time gathering up your... Read More

Want a Garden, But Don?t have Enough Dirt Or Space? Hydroponics Gardening Is The Answer!

Hydroponics gardening is the perfect solution for anybody who wants a garden, but does not have enough space or dirt. Hydroponics gardening is, simply put, a method... Read More

Garden Statuary - Time for a Fresh New Look

Spring is coming, and now is the time to get out and whip those outdoor spaces into shape. With new growth appearing on trees, bulbs popping up... Read More

Lifes a Beach--A Shore Theme in your Outdoor Space

Twentieth century American architect Phillip Johnson once said, "I hate vacations. If you can build buildings, why sit on the beach?" Mr. Johnson evidently didn't how to... Read More

Build a Rain Garden

There's a new garden in town. It is (mostly) easy to install, looks good year-round, requires almost no maintenance and has a terrifically upbeat impact on the... Read More

Furniture Benches Are Perfect For Every Outdoor Space

The task of selecting outdoor furniture for your natural spaces can seem daunting at times. There are just so many options to choose from that many people... Read More

Teak Furniture: The Premier Outdoor Furniture

When selecting furniture for their outdoor spaces, many people purchase pieces made with teak, a hard strong durable golden-brown wood, which is both resistant to the elements... Read More

How to Make Your Backyard a Wonderland Oasis

Home and garden accessories make the difference between house and home. Unfortunately, quality accessories can be notoriously expensive and in today's economy, finding beauty at a price... Read More

Why Patio Benches are a Great Place to Relax and Enjoy

Having an outdoor patio offers the opportunity and place to sit outdoors where you can relax alone on a lazy Saturday morning or enjoy a barbecue with... Read More

Green Thumb Gifts: Beyond Gardening Gloves

Ahh, spring! It has sprung! Gardeners (and budding gardeners - no pun intended) have begun the quest for a weedless lawn, or a bountiful garden. But if... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (Part 3) Lighting

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.An Introduction To Indoor Plant Grow Lights.There are basically three types of grow lights used in horticulture. These are:High Intensity Discharge Lights. (HID) These... Read More

Growing Palms

Palms Everybody recognises palm trees, they are the universal symbol for the tropics but many are hardy enough for our temperate climate gardens. Until recently... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Yours to Design and Plan

To design a wild flower garden, you do not need to be a specialist or an artist, you just need to be observant and let your creative... Read More

A Bit About Bare Root Roses...

Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you walk by... it's a lovely summer scent that you can enjoy every year. Many gardeners know that... Read More