GO SOLAR
IN THAT BIRD BATH
GO SOLAR
IN THAT BIRD BATH
“So I used to always make fun of my parents for bird watching. Well, yesterday I added a second hummingbird area and also 2 window feeders in hopes of catching a glimpse of a hummer. And here I sit at 7:30 am (way early for me) with my coffee and binoculars praying that I will see some of these cute little buggers.”
When did some of us become those people, when something so simple could bring such joy? Because watching the birds can keep your head on straight! There's nothing to plug-in, download, transfer, rent or save.
Somehow it soothes the soul, eases the brain, and offers an uncanny escape from everyday chaos. The first hummingbird, catching a bluebird fledge the nest, watching a carding feed his baby. If just for a few minutes each day- it's simply amazing what feathered friends can do for the head. There's really no words to describe the reprieve wild birds in the garden have to offer.
It's an addictive hobby that easily borders on obsession! Very connected to- and similar to gardening, it starts small and needn’t cost much to see results. In fact you really don't even need food to attract birds. Water in welcoming habitat will do it! Plain, fresh water (regardless of season) entices resident and migratory fliers as well.
Habitat may be birdhouses, but not all birds use them. More so, it’s in the landscaping. With mature trees & shrubs for roosting and protection from predators. And with native plantings which offer natural food sources like nectar, fruit, nuts and berries.
The critical life-force water, applies to all birds as well. Fancy-pants bird bath not necessary… shallow is key here, and something as simple as a plastic plant saucer works great! Optimal depth is 1.5” to 3” maximum because little birds can drown! Adding a few stones or river rocks offers better footing with places to land and perch. Adding something that makes water move… omg, birds LOVE moving water!
There’s several easy ways to make this happen, and trending now is solar power. Small pumps with big power require little water to operate. A separate solar panel with 10 ft. cord allows for a bath to be shaded while the panel catches full sun. There’s also a one-piece solar pump sans any cords at all. Reasonably priced, these new solar bath kits do not store energy, so panels must be in full sun to operate. They’re durable (no batteries to zap or die), easy to clean and carry a manufacturer’s warranty. They’ll work as bubblers or fountains, the latter requiring a larger diameter saucer or bowl that’s at least 16 inches.
Accessories like Leaf Misters entice birds to leaf bathe and butterflies adore them too. Attach to a plant stake for mobility and gardens grow lush! Water Wigglers agitate bath water acting as a visual magnet for avian amigos! Birdbath Drippers also keep water from becoming stagnant thus alleviating pesky mosquito larve. Heck, take a milk jug, poke a pin-hole in the bottom corner, attach a rope and hang from a branch above a bird bath… see for yourself!
Create a small habitat at your place and reap the benefits wild birds t have to offer. When planting, think native, offer fresh water and places for protection (evergreens). Food’s the easy part, make your nectar (for hummingbirds, orioles and butterflies- pure cane sugar and water is it). Lots of recipes online for suet, or slap some peanut butter right on a tree trunk in cold weather. Woodpeckers, nuthatches and warblers love it. Offer up a birdhouse and see if there’s any takers? Nothing too complicated when trying your hand at backyard birding… just give it a try and see what prevails!
To get you started, Eco-Mall customers are always welcome to a 10% discount. Simply use code EM10 at checkout… and Happy Birding!
Written by: Beth Wheeler, The Birdouse Chick
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