January 11, 2014 / Leslie

Weekend Birding: Winter Birdbaths

Birdbath, Birds, Photography, Photos, Winter

Water in the Cold

Birds can survive harsh, below freezing winter weather if they can find food, water and shelter. Last week I talked about coping with the cold and how birds burn calories to generate body heat and therefore need to eat a lot more high fat food. In addition to food they need to find water for drinking and cleaning their feathers.

Below a House Finch and House Sparrow stop for a drink at my heated bird bath. I took this through the window. It was way too cold to open the patio door.

Are Heated Bird Baths Beneficial?

There are mixed opinions on the necessity of a heated bath. There is no question that water will attract birds, but does it help them?

In below freezing temperatures birds usually get the water they need from snow and ice. When the air temperature is extremely cold a heated bath will steam like a spa and may tempt a bird to jump in and bathe. On freezing days birds should use the water for drinking only, not bathing. But do the birds know enough not to wade in?

I have a heated bird bath mounted on my deck railing which I leave up year-round. I’ve had it since 2009 and am very pleased with its performance. Other than having to modify the mounting bracket to keep it from tipping, it was easy to set up and is easy maintain.

So, is it safe for the birds? I think so. On the coldest days, none of the birds tried to go in the water. Of course there is always the danger that one will fall in, but there are many dangers in nature. Finding fresh, clean water is helpful. Who knows what is in the ice, snow and water on the roads and in our backyards.

Starlings Love the Bird Bath

The only birds I saw wading into the water on days when the temps were slightly below freezing were House Sparrows and European Starlings. I see them do this every year. Five or six birds jump in at once and splash around. I guess this says something about the stamina of these birds: Both are non-native species from Europe and both have adapted and prospered in North America.

You Never Know Who Will Show Up

Water attracts many species of birds, even those that don’t come to feeders.

In February 2011 Chicago had one of its epic snowstorms that shut down the city for a few days. The morning after the storm a Yellow-rumped Warbler was outside my window taking a drink at the heated bath. Chicago is on the northern edge of their winter range, most of these birds migrate further south, especially in cold winters, so finding one in my yard was a special treat.

And then there are the squirrels and other critters. They could use a drink of fresh, clean water too. There was a possum on my deck last night but as far as I know he didn’t try to get in the bath.

Saturday Snapshot was originated by Alyce at At Home With Books. It is now hosted by Melinda of West Metro Mommy. Visit her blog to see more great photos or add your own.