Providing Water

Water Features and More

Container Water Garden with plants and solar pump

Water is the essential element of life and is a necessity for nearly all organisms on Earth. Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects all benefit from natural or artificial water sources in our gardens, parks, and towns. When we are looking to attract birds to our gardens, we often think about food, providing birdhouses, and for people who enjoy gardening, choosing the right plants. However, beginner and experienced bird gardeners often overlook or neglect the need for a reliable source of water, myself included. This week I am going to talk about the importance of water, and how to incorporate it into the landscape 

Natural Water 

An example of natural pond near Charlotte NC

Water can be found almost anywhere and natural creeks, ponds, rivers, and puddles are just the most noticeable sources. Other places where water can be found can include droplets or dew on leaves or grass, in tree holes, rock crevices, and in various manmade objects around our homes and places of business. While these natural and incidental water features are important, they are often few and far between, even in the Carolinas where rainfall is abundant and most communities have a creek or manmade pond. In developed areas, water is much harder to come by and most of our natural and artificial sources could be contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria, and algae. Additionally most birds and small animals do not use ponds or lakes, but use smaller puddles, water droplets, or shallow streams which are much rarer. 

Water and Birds 

Waxwing near pond at NC Arboretum, Asheville NC

Water is an especially important resource for birds as they need it for both drinking and maintaining their feathers. As stated above, birds and other small animals may be able to take advantage of larger water features while saltwater wetlands are also useless. Birds need water all year long, including during the winter. Larger species such as ducks, geese, wading birds, and most seabirds are at home  in ponds, lakes, or even the sea and will often drink or bath in these areas. Most of our garden species like doves, songbirds, woodpeckers, and such depend mostly on puddles, water-filled cavities, or droplets on vegetation for their needs or take advantage of rainstorms. This is where gardeners and bird lovers can lend a helping hand.

Drinking: As with most animals, birds need to drink water to stay hydrated and to help with digestion. Aside from natural sources, some birds may obtain water from fruits, certain insects, tree buds, and other dietary sources. Most birds sip water by gathering up liquid in their bill and tipping their heads back to swallow it. Pigeons and doves suck up water like a horse. 

Bathing: Bathing is a behavior carried out by most birds to clean and maintain their plumages just like what we do during our morning routine or after a visit to the gym or studio. Water bathing is used to remove dust, debris and filth from the feathers, control parasites, and cool off. This is followed by preening where the bird rearranges its feathers and for most species, spreads special oils over their bodies to add protection and waterproofing. Dustbathing, sunbathing, and an odd behavior called anting (using ants to spread formic acid on the feathers) are alternatives to bathing. Many birds including most of our garden visitors bath in shallow water or during rainstorms. Some birds such as chickadees, gnatcatchers, many warblers, and hummingbirds bath in mist, or use dew droplets on vegetation to wash. Swallows, swifts, and kites (as well as many species of bats) skim the water while flying. Birds bath year round and will even wash themselves in cold weather if the water sources are not frozen. 

Other Uses: Water has a small number of other uses for birds. Some species of birds (notably the Sandgrouse in North Africa) may use water to cool their young, while many birds will hunt aquatic prey from shallow ponds. Mud is used by some birds to make nests including Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Eurasian House Martins, American Robins and others. 

Birdbaths

The most popular way to provide water to birds in a garden is with a birdbath or similar feature. These fixtures are very popular in American and European gardens and are often used as garden decor or as part of stonework. However, not all birdbaths are practical for birds to use. Many decorative designs are too deep, have slippery sides, or are difficult to keep clean. As with birdhouses, feeders, and other supplemental features, there is no one-size-fit-all water feature and each design has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, a properly placed birdbath can draw in more bird species than any bird table and is usually the most inexpensive way to draw in birds compared to offering food, treats. 

Pedestal Birdbaths

Glass pedestal birdbath at my townhouse garden circa Apr 2020

 The most common type of birdbath is the pedestal design, which are the design we are the most familiar with. This type of bath usually has a small basin or dish that is mounted to a decorative stand and can be made of stone, concrete, porcelain, plastic, or even have glass in it. A functional pedestal bath will cater to most garden birds once they get used to it and is also popular with squirrels, chipmunks, lizards, and certain insects if it is reliably filled.

Ground-level Baths

Ground level bath with Starling 2011

Ground-level baths are water features that are installed on or near the ground and are often a part of decorative landscapes. Such setups can be easily made by filling dishes, terracotta saucers, or even a regular birdbath with water and placing it on the ground or on a low stand. This configuration is even more popular as most birds find their water on the ground, not on a 1m or 3ft stand situated on a lawn. Most other animals including marmots, rabbits, box turtles, and visiting wildlife can access ground-level ponds as well. However, low-level birdbaths are also more susceptible to predators and a cat, snake, or skilled sparrowhawk could ambush visitors if it is placed too close to shrubbery or structures.

Other Water Features 

Stream garden at NHC Arboretum's Japanese Garden

A fountain at Airlie Garden in Wilmington NC

Permanent water features are a step up from traditional birdbaths and are the closest thing to a natural water source we can create in our gardens. These setups are essentially water gardens that feature a in-ground basin or liner, or a permanent feature with a means of water circulation and different design elements. Examples of permanent water features include fountains, garden pools, container wetlands, and recirculating stream fixtures. While complex installations can be expensive and require electricity and plumbing, a basic wetland setup can be made with a relatively inexpensive solar or plug-in pump and any thing that holds water. Permanent water features have many additional benifits including the ability to grow wetland or aquatic plants, the  creation of frog habitat, and if you go all the way and create a naturalistic pond, waterbirds.  To make these features useable to birds, it is important to include shallow areas or to throw in stones, concrete blocks, or even logs  to create safe places for small birds to bath or drink. Pumps and circulation helps to keep the water fresh, control algae, and most importantly, keep mosquitoes at bay.  

Secondary Water Sources 

Water Globe (left), Water Dispenser (right) 

Water Globes: Water globes are plastic or rarely glass containers that resemble a hummingbird or oriole feeder but have a shallow dish so birds can get to it. Most globes hang from hooks, or other fixtures and can be placed near birdfeeders or as a standalone feature. These features can provide a long-lasting source of water for smaller birds and are not likely to entice mosquitoes. However, water globes are not useful for bathing and birds larger than a cardinal or oriole will have a difficult time hanging on. This is a viable means of providing water during the winter as long as you take it in during freezing temperatures to keep it from breaking. 

Hummingbird Feeders: This summer, I did an experiment where I filled a glass hummingbird feeder with water to see who would use it. At that point, I was tired of dealing with the high maintenance of keeping sugar water or nectar clean and safe, and had issues with hornets, yellowjackets, and ants last summer. When I put out the feeder, the hummingbirds quickly adopted it as a water source, along with chickadees, and other small bird. This may be a viable way to entice hummingbirds without the hassle of feeders as long as there are nectar plants nearby. 

Misters: A number of birds are attracted to mist or water vapor. Misters are a common method of cooling people at amusement parks, and other outdoor venues and there are numerous installations, and designs available for home use. A cheaper option is to use a misting fan on a patio or porch to  create the same effect. Hummingbirds, chickadees, and other small birds enjoy mist. 

Sprinklers: If your garden has irrigation installed you may see various songbirds, doves, and even visiting wading birds taking advantage of the artificial rainshower. I have also seen chickadees, hummingbirds, wrens, and certain warblers bathing when I set up my hose on mist mode or attach it to a mobile sprinkler when watering the garden. 

Dripper: Birds love the sound of moving water and are more likely to discover a bath if it has dripping or flowing water. Aside from inexpensive solar pumps, and water wigglers (also used to deter mosquitos), a simple container with a slow leak, or a dripping hose will work for any bath or pond. Some birds may drink or bath from leaking spigots or water left in a hose after it is shut off.  

Maintenance  

As with feeders, birdbath maintenance is vital for the safety of the birds. Neglected baths and water features can become deathtraps for birds and other animals. Droppings, algae, feathers, and organic debris can contribute to bacteria and lead to disease. Standing water that has been present for two or three days will attract mosquitoes such as the Aedes albopictus or Asian Tiger Mosquito which are a common pest in gardens that could lead to health concerns. These particular mosquitos are nonnative and thrive only in temporary water sources around human habitation and nearby natural areas, while most native mosquitos need floodwater, or long-lasting puddles. On top of mosquitos and direct risks to birds, poorly maintained water features are unsightly, may produce odors and will eventually be abandoned by the birds making them useless. In the hot and humid climate of the Carolinas, birdbaths can dry out on hot summer days and need to be refilled constantly to remain useful. In general, birdbaths are much easier to maintain than any birdfeeder, and require less work than monitoring birdhouses (a subject for another article). 

Cleaning: Birdbaths and similar water features should be cleaned at least once a week or when they began to look nasty. Most terracotta, concrete, stone, or plastic baths can be scrubbed with a sponge, cloth, or abrasive rag using just water or a mild soap solution (no bleach or chemicals). Glass and porcelain baths need to be cleaned with care as abrasive materials could scratch them. Baths with removable dishes can be washed with a hose, or in your kitchen sink, while fixed setups will need to be cleaned on site. Proper cleaning removes algae and scum buildup, animal droppings, dead insects, and organic debris. In setups with pumps and other equipment, cleaning will prevent debris from blocking the impeller, preventing burnouts or seizures in the mechanism. 

Refills: Baths should be refilled when they become dry while setups with pumps and fountains must never run dry as it could burn out the equipment. Additionally, it is important to completely change  the water every one to two days to combat bacteria, algae, and mosquitoes. Simply top off or refill the bath with regular tap, filtered, or distilled water. 

Winter Maintenance: During the winter months, it is still important to maintain a bath for birds to drink and bath. Freezing weather can cause birdbaths and ponds to freeze making them unusable to birds and small mammals. Additionally, terracotta, glass, ceramic, plastic, and porcelain containers may break or crack if they are allowed to freeze. Ice may also ruin pumps and fountains. The easiest way to combat freezing is to take in the baths nightly if freezing temperatures are likely, and refill them in the morning. There are also birdbath heaters available online or at bird speciality stores that may keep baths from freezing but require access to an electrical main or rely on batteries (which are ineffective in cold weather). Water globes or small water dishes are a good alternative to regular baths during freezing weathers, especially in the Northeast, Midwest, or Appalachian Corridor. 

Placement: Baths should be placed in locations that are safe for the visitors as birds have limited flight abilities while bathing. As with feeders and birdhouses, baths should be placed far enough from shrubs, trees, or tall objects  to allow the birds to see cats, hawks, or other predators. Baths should also be within 3-6m (10-20ft) from protective cover or a tree to allow birds to escape and for preening. Ground-level baths need to be further from cover than pedestal baths as these are even easier for a cat or snake to sneak up on. Baths in vast open areas are less likely to be used and are easy targets for Peregrines, Merlins, Accipiter Sparrowhawks, and other fast predators that can take advantage of vulnerable birds. The best locations include small open spaces within gardens, near patios, small lawns, or in a wooded area with open ground. Baths should also be located in an area where you can easily observe the activity without disturbing the birds, such as by a sitting area or window. 

Users

Same ground level bath with a Brown Thrasher

Birdbaths and water features can attract almost any kind of bird to the garden, although some setups and designs are better than others. The basic water dish, pedestal birdbath, and in-ground basin caters to most songbirds and doves, but the smallest birds will likely ignore them. Likewise, large ponds or pools are less likely to be utilized by small songbirds, even with shallow areas but could bring in a heron, ibis, or other unusual guest. Misters, and fountains attract the most birds but require expensive setups. In the end, it is a good idea to have multiple kinds of water features in the garden including birdbaths at different heights and locations. 

Avian Visitors: Birdbaths attract a long list of birds including many species that do not come to bird tables and are often missed or overlooked in the garden. Migration can bring many visitors to a bath including birds from other regions. Normal water features can attract everything from the tiny Golden Crowned Kinglet (our smallest bird) to the Common Crow and even an occasional hawk. 

Other Visitors: Chipmunks, Grey and Fox Squirrels often visit birdbaths and water features for a drink during the day. Baths closer to the ground may also be visited by marmots, ground squirrels, other rodents, weasels, rabbits, and even visiting wildlife depending on where you live.

Lizards, and insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, and flies also need water and will take advantage of water features or damp surfaces near them.

Pedestal Baths Users: American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, House Sparrow, Common Starling, Eastern Bluebirds,  most blackbirds, Mourning Dove, and numerous others 

Ground-Level: All of the above plus Emberizine Sparrows (Chipping, Field, Song Sparrows, Towhees etc), Brown Thrasher, Blue Jay, many warblers, Wood and Hermit Thrush, Carolina Wren, numerous migratory woodland birds. 

Water Globe: Chickadees, titmice, wrens, warblers, kinglets, hummingbirds, Downy Woodpeckers

Misters: Everyone including hummingbirds, gnatcatchers, flycatchers, chickadees, thrushes, swallows, and even crows