A
large number of birds die due to lack of water in the summer
season as also during the period when temperature drops below zero and the
natural sources of water freeze. Remember, the birds need water throughout
the year. When people are not watering their gardens and laws, the birds’
water supply diminishes critically. Providing fresh water is the surest and
easiest way to attract birds. Even those birds that are not attracted to
the bird feeders will come to drink water and take a bath.
Birds
are afraid of water bodies that are deeper than 2/3 inches.
Plan for birdbaths that
birds adopt quickly: shallow pools of still water. A
birdbath should deepen gradually to about 3 inches and no more. Keep the
bird baths rough bottomed to allow the birds a firm footing A perch at the
edge of a bird bath, where birds can sit before they enter water, is an
advantage. This purpose can also be served by the over-hanging
branches of a nearby tree or a bush.
Keep
the bird baths at a safe place, that is convenient for the birds to
reach
but is away from the hiding places for cats and other predators. Place the
birdbaths at some height. Placing the birdbaths a little distance away from
the feeders will ensure that the water is not fouled by the bird droppings.
A
depression in your lawn, which can be filled with water and looks natural is
a very good alternative to the bird baths.
Change
water in the birdbaths daily. Clean the birdbaths every two/three days to
prevent algae and bacteria from developing.
A
gentle sound of moving water is extremely attractive to the birds. It can
be provided by a simple leaking hose, a dripper, a
mister, a fountain or a small water fall.
Avoid thunderous sound of gushing water. It will only frighten away the
birds.
large number of birds die due to lack of water in the summer
season as also during the period when temperature drops below zero and the
natural sources of water freeze. Remember, the birds need water throughout
the year. When people are not watering their gardens and laws, the birds’
water supply diminishes critically. Providing fresh water is the surest and
easiest way to attract birds. Even those birds that are not attracted to
the bird feeders will come to drink water and take a bath. 
Plan for birdbaths that
birds adopt quickly: shallow pools of still water. A
birdbath should deepen gradually to about 3 inches and no more. Keep the
bird baths rough bottomed to allow the birds a firm footing A perch at the
edge of a bird bath, where birds can sit before they enter water, is an
advantage. This purpose can also be served by the over-hanging
branches of a nearby tree or a bush. 
reach
but is away from the hiding places for cats and other predators. Place the
birdbaths at some height. Placing the birdbaths a little distance away from
the feeders will ensure that the water is not fouled by the bird droppings. 
