6 Tips to Prevent Your Bird Bath From Freezing This Winter

It's nice to see many different species of birds visiting your feeders at any time of the year. But birds also need water all year round to stay healthy. "All birds need water to drink and to regularly clean and preen their feathers," says Curtis Smalling, executive director and vice president of Audubon North Carolina . "Feather care is a very important part of a bird's life and is essential during the migration season."

In dry areas, and especially in winter, a birdbath or water source can be as important to local birds as food and shelter. "Bird baths ensure that birds have access to water even when local water sources are frozen, which is particularly important for migratory birds who need to rest and recharge while traveling," explains Smalling.

However, if you live in the Upper or Mid-South or are expecting a cold snap, your birdbath may freeze over from time to time, leaving the water inaccessible to birds. While some species such as the crow, blue jay and most woodpeckers will peck through a light layer of ice, this may not be possible for other birds.

Here's what you should do to ensure your birdbath is bird-safe even on the coldest days:

• Curtis Smalling is CEO and Vice President of Audubon North Carolina.

Make sure your birdbath is accessible

Birds prefer shallow baths, the deepest part of which is no deeper than 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters. If it is too deep, place a layer of rocks on the bottom to make it easier for the birds to use.

Keep your birdbath clean

Like bird feeders, bird baths should be kept clean to prevent the spread of disease among wild birds, says Smalling. Clean them weekly by scrubbing with nine parts water to one part vinegar and then rinsing. Avoid soaps as they can strip essential oils from bird feathers.

Change the water regularly

Every other day is ideal to keep it fresh and clean, says Smalling.

Opt for stone or concrete bird baths

Although not formally studied, observations have shown that stone or concrete baths that have been used for centuries retain some heat, delaying freezing, especially if the baths are placed in a sunny location. "In addition, the typical gentle slope and open design prevent the bucket from bursting, even in severe frost," explains Smalling.

Keep the water moving

Use a small device inside the birdbath to agitate the water and prevent it from freezing, or choose a bubbling stone that will keep the water bubbling and give the birds a place to perch. Some devices require electricity, others are powered by batteries or solar energy. The movement of the water also prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs in the birdbath during warmer months, Smalling says.

Invest in a heated birdbath

A heated birdbath works best in colder climates and ensures the water doesn't freeze. There are also additional heaters that can be used on any birdbath. Some types are thermostatically controlled and therefore only turn on when the temperature drops below freezing.

Adblock test (Why?)