A birdbath heater is a fun way to attract over-wintering birds while supplying them with an essential source of water.
WINTER BIRDBATH HEATERS
Winter bird feeding is an extremely popular hobby with Americans, spending millions of dollars every year on seed and feeders to attract birds to our gardens for easy and fun viewing. Many bird hobbyists set up separate feeding stations with different seeds and food to attract their favorite birds.
Surprisingly most of us ignore the most important element needed for our birds’ survival, water. When birdbaths, lakes and streams are frozen, finding a source of drinking water can be nearly impossible for overwintering birds.
Luckily for us, now there is something we can do to help our feathered friends find water during our harsh northeast winters. Electric birdbath heaters will keep your water defrosted and available for birds.
Available at garden centers, farm supply stores and online, birdbath heaters are gaining popularity. All you need is a sturdy birdbath, an extension cord, and an outlet.
When you set up your birdbath it is important to take a few details into consideration. First of all, you want a good view from a window to enjoy watching the birds. Secondly, keep the winter birdbath close by for easy access when it needs to be refilled during bad weather. Most importantly, protection from predators, mainly hawks and cats. Select a spot where birds can quickly flee from an attacking hawk, but not so close to shrubs that cats can hide it them.
Many people freak out when they witness a hawk attack. Remember native birds of prey are a major part of the circle of life. According to the Audubon Society hawk strikes are successful less than forty percent of the time. This helps to cull the weak and older birds which are least likely to escape. Most importantly the benefits of feeding birds outweigh the dangers by birds of prey. Our hawks and eagles play an important role in our environment.
Although many birds will only visit for a drink, starlings happily jump in the water and take a bath even during a storm. Even folks that don’t like starlings will enjoy watching them frolic, jumping in and out of the water while wildly flapping their wings to bathe and dry off. Starlings are unpopular at bird feeders because they appear in large aggressive flocks and scare smaller birds away.
Since birds come in many different sizes, a stone placed in the bath creates levels for the birds to drink water. I use this stone to keep the heater anchored in the center of the water.
Whenever possible such as a nice winter day turn your bath over to empty it out. Even in winter it is important to keep your bird bath as clean as possible and filled with fresh water.
Enjoy your garden all year long,
James
