Birdbaths are a common feature in many backyards and gardens, providing a shallow pool of water for birds to drink from and bathe in. They often become the centerpiece of a garden, with beautiful stone, ceramic or concrete basins. But have you ever wondered what goes in a birdbath but never gets wet? This question is the foundation for today’s exploration into the purpose and function of the birdbath.
In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide some quick answers to questions about birdbaths – what they’re made of, where they’re placed, how big they are – to give some background context before diving deeper into the main question at hand. Understanding the basic facts about birdbaths will help illuminate what goes in them besides just water.
Some quick birdbath basics:
- Birdbaths are typically made of materials like concrete, stone, ceramic, metal or plastic.
- They range in size from just a few inches across and a couple inches deep to much larger basins over two feet wide and one foot deep.
- Birdbaths are usually placed in gardens, patios, lawns or other open areas to provide birds easy access.
- The standard depth of a birdbath basin is between 1-3 inches deep – shallow enough for birds to stand in.
- Birdbaths should be elevated above ground, either on a pedestal or small table, to deter cats and other predators.
Now that we’ve covered some quick trivia on birdbaths, let’s dive deeper into what goes in them besides water. The answer to this riddle that started our exploration will become clear as we examine the purpose and function of birdbaths.
The Purpose of Birdbaths
Birdbaths serve two primary purposes – providing drinking water for birds and providing a place for birds to bathe. Within these purposes, several key functions make birdbaths useful for our feathered friends:
Drinking Water
- Birdbaths give birds access to clean, fresh drinking water, which is critical for their survival.
- The shallow basin allows birds like sparrows, finches and robins to stand in the water while drinking.
- Water helps birds maintain electrolyte balance and thermoregulation.
- Providing drinking water can attract more birds to visit your yard.
Bathing
- Birdbaths allow birds the opportunity to bathe, keeping their feathers in good condition.
- Bathing helps birds remove dirt, parasites and excess oils that can damage feathers.
- Proper feather maintenance through bathing allows for proper insulating and functioning to support flight.
- Some birds, like mourning doves, are drawn to birdbaths primarily for bathing over drinking.
These dual purposes inform the design, placement and maintenance of birdbaths. The basin needs to be shallow enough for most birds to stand in while drinking or splashing water over themselves while bathing. The water level must be maintained and the basin kept clean to provide fresh, clean water. And placement needs to allow easy access for a variety of wild birds to utilize the bath.
What Goes in Birdbaths Besides Water
Now that we understand the purposes and functions of birdbaths, we can start answering our original question. What goes in a birdbath besides water?
Rocks
One common item added to birdbaths are rocks, pebbles or even marbles. Rocks serve several useful purposes:
- They provide perches for birds to stand on within the water, keeping them from having to stand on slippery basin surfaces.
- The perches allow birds to drink and bathe while still maintaining easy escape from perceived predators.
- In shallow birdbaths, rocks help raise the water level up closer to the perches.
- Rocks can add decorative appeal to complement the basin and garden surroundings.
Rocks are often the most functional item placed in birdbaths besides water. Ranging in size from large pebbles to fist-sized rocks, they provide the perfect in-basin perches for active bird use.
Water Plants
Miniature water plants are another common birdbath addition:
- Small aquatic plants help oxygenate the water and prevent algae growth.
- Their roots and stems provide alternative perches and hiding spots for shy birds.
- Floating plants like mini lilypads give insulation and shade.
- Added greenery enhances the beauty of the birdbath.
Some common miniature water plants are dwarf lilies, floating hearts, and mini cattails. Ensure any plants added are non-toxic and suitable for very shallow water depths.
Misters
Misters or drippers can be installed to automatically freshen and refill birdbath water:
- A mister provides a constant drip or spray of fresh water into the basin.
- This prevents the water from becoming stagnant and keeps the level topped off.
- Misters connect to standard gardening hoses and timers.
- They can be simple drippers or elaborate spraying fountains.
Misters help maintain a birdbath without daily filling while also frightening away pests. Programmable timers allow control over the mister frequency and duration.
Birdbath Heaters
In colder climates, birdbath heaters keep water thawed:
- Heaters prevent ice from forming during winter months.
- This provides birds with critical liquid water sources when natural supplies freeze.
- Heaters are thermostatically controlled to turn on near freezing temperatures.
- Units designed for birdbaths have protective cages to prevent bird contact.
Heaters run on electric or solar power. Solar heaters collect energy all day to run heating coils at night. Heaters give birds year-round access to clean bath and drinking water.
Birdbath Cleaners
Special birdbath cleaners help maintain clean, sanitary water:
- Cleaners containing enzymes or bleach help prevent algae growth.
- Some add acids to dissolve scale and hard water buildup.
- Cleaners designed for birdbaths are mild enough to not harm birds.
- Regular use per package directions maximizes sanitation.
These specially formulated cleaners are a useful tool for preventing dirty, unhygienic birdbath water that could sicken wild birds.
Conclusion
In summary, while the main contents of birdbaths is fresh water for drinking and bathing, various accessories enhance birdbath function and appeal. Rocks, plants, misters, heaters and cleaners all serve to improve the birdbath experience for birds and human viewers. These items provide perches, oxygenation, automation, winter access and sanitation. So in the end, the answer to our original riddle is that rocks, plants, misters, heaters and cleaners all go in birdbaths without getting wet! With the proper accessories, birdbaths can provide essential benefits for backyard birds year round.
