Upgrading the Bird Bath

I have an under-used bird bath in the garden near the deck and during July's drought, I looked for ways to make it more attractive for birds. I read that most bird baths are too deep and too exposed and smaller birds may feel unsafe in these circumstances. This bird bath came with a pump that is long gone but running water attracts birds and improves the quality of the water. 

I placed a number of rocks in the bird bath to provide varying water depths and more places for smaller birds to perch. A new pump from the local hardware store provided a little waterfall as well as an inviting sound for the birds and me. There are enough tall plants and perches in the vicinity to provide some cover for more cautious birds.

The results were almost immediate as a Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadees, various sparrows and a pair of Goldfinches arrived in succession. The rocks provided safe perches for drinking and bathing. The birds are most active early in the morning and just before dusk but they visit throughout the day. I have also noticed bees and butterflies landing on the rocks for a drink.

I now recognize the personalities of individual birds. The female Goldfinch perches on the nearby echinacea flowers first and then cautiously approaches the edge of the bowl. One little chickadee always stays at the back edge where the Milkweed leaves provide the most cover.

The male Goldfinch is not afraid to take a full bath, splashing and dunking himself with abandon. 

August has brought a few days of welcome rain and the neighbourhood birds have more sources of moisture right now. But like a bird feeder, a good bird bath attracts returning customers. I have been cleaning the bowl, pump and rocks every five days or so and have to top it up daily as the trickling water tends to evaporate during warm afternoons. 

If you live in a wooded area, you can attract birds like Wood Warblers and other forest species to a low-height bird bath with running water. Ohio blogger and naturalist Julie Zickefoose has designed a unit she calls a WarblerFall and she shares photos and the option to purchase plans to construct one. I would love to attract Warblers but know that outside of migration times, the chances are slim in our urban environment. In the meantime, I will enjoy the regular visitors in my own backyard.