You’ll be surprised who may drop by for a drink or a refreshing dip.
Small birds including honeyeaters drink daily and year-round birdbaths become valuable resources to local populations.
New Holland Honeyeaters are so protective they will chase away any other birds visiting their prized bathing areas.
Larger birds including Magpies, Tawny Frogmouths, and even Birds of Prey frequently visit birdbaths during warmer weather.
Summer heatwaves are deadly for native birds. Providing a refreshing drink and a safe place to cool off can save the lives of our feathered neighbours. It is an easy action anyone can do independent on the type of property you live in.
The Level 3 habitat value reflects the importance of reintroducing drinking water for native animals. Creating environments where native wildlife can survive is central to the ReWild purpose.
You will be amazed at the diversity of birdlife attracted to birdbaths day and night. Each species has their own pattern and behaviour when visiting a bird bath.
Placement
When choosing where to put drinking water for birds, it is important to consider shade and shelter.
Experiment with different baths in various locations to see what local bird species will prefer.
New Holland Honeyeaters are fearless and use bird baths as a daily venue to congregate, banter, and play the day away.
Western Whistlers are much shyer and visit bird bath hidden in dense shrubbery to provide them privacy.
Black Cockatoos and Birds-of-Prey prefer bird baths in open areas close to large trees to ensure a safe retreat when disturbed.
What is the best option?
Honestly, it comes down to your personal taste and the overall themes you are trying to achieve in your garden design. It can easily start by leaving a water dish out in the fork of a tree and changing it daily.
There are a range of different bird baths available in shops and nurseries. Plastic or glazed clay is recommended as it is easier to clean and maintain.
You can also use solutions like drip feeds from rainwater tanks or ultra-low flow irrigation, combined with a timer.
ReWild combos
Providing water for wildlife can be very efficient when combined with a dampland. A simple drip feed into your water feature will slowly spill into the dampland, where it can be captured in the underground reservoir.
Importantly, a slow drip keeps the surface of the water moving, which will prevent mosquitoes from breeding there.
Guide to Providing Water for Birds
Here are some principles to adhere to when installing and maintaining a bird bath.
Keep it Clean
Do not underestimate this! Bird baths must remain clean to protect the health of local birds. Clean bird baths lessen disease or parasitic transmission between birds and deters mosquitos from breeding in the water.
Birds prefer bird baths located in dappled shade or protected from harsh afternoon sun. Shaded areas keep the water fresher and cleaner for longer. Birds will drink, bathe, and poo in bird baths. So, replace with fresh water daily to keep the water clean and avoid disease spread.
A weekly scrub and rinse, without harsh cleaning agents (vinegar works well), prevents algal growth, kills pathogens, and maintains water quality.
Keep it Safe
Place your bird bath near dense shrubs or trees so birds have a safe to retreat if disturbed. Provide several baths around the garden, courtyard, or balcony. Doing so allows birds to choose the safest bath at any particular time.
Place your bird bath beyond the reach of cats! Hang a bath from a branch, located in the fork of a tall tree, or use a pedestal bath are safe options.
If cats cannot access your garden or balcony, then a shallow bowl, container, or saucer on the ground makes a suitable bird bath.
Keep it Shallow
Small birds can drown in only a few centimetres of water.
If the bath is deep, or has a smooth base (glazed sauces), place a partially submerged stone, stick, or brick to provide a safe exit for smaller birds.
Similarly, have several baths around the garden or balcony at varying depths and sizes. A bath suitable for a parrot is going to be much larger and deeper than one suitable for a honeyeater.
