Big storm here last night: We had a big rain storm here on the farm last night complete with lightning and thunder. We got another 1/2 inch of rain, which can only be helpful for the crops that are already seeded. Of course, it does slow down the rest of the seeding progress. However, as I see the robins enjoying the puddles in the yard I am reminded how important water is to your backyard bird feeding program.
Birds love water and while open water is more available in the summer than in the winter, a bird bath will attract more birds to your yard at any time of year. Birds love to play in water and have a quick bath. They enjoy having a quick drink especially when it is warm outside. The sound of running water seems to attract birds to the backyard so a fountain or even a bucket of water dripping can be an attraction.
When buying a bird bath remember to buy a shallow birdbath - no more than 2 1/2 inches deep at it's center. Second, it should not have a slippery bottom. If it does, consider adding aquarium rock or small pebbles to the bottom to provide a non-slippery surface. Finally consider what your bird bath is made of - for example concrete bird baths may be attractive but plastic bird baths are less likely to crack in cold temperatures.
Keep bird baths clean: Bird baths can become a breeding ground for mosquitos and with West Nile Virus transmitted through mosquitos you need to be careful to ensure the water is changed regularly and that bird baths are scrubbed out periodically too.
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