Bird Baths
Introduction
Something we all have in common is that we need water. Our animal friends are no different. Urban development, habitat loss, and climate change has made water harder to come by in many places so this page covers a few options for helping them out.
Feature Like "Bird Baths" Help Insects Too!
Adding a rock to the middle will allow butterflies to safely drink
Bird Baths
Life Expectancy: Water generally lasts 2-4 days depending on weather condition and how many visitors the birdbath gets. A concrete birdbath can last for decades even through freezes, in some cases even after being knocked over and chipped.
Pro: These can look very pretty. You can buy these at most garden supply shops, online, or you can get creative and build one yourself.
Con: These need routine maintenance and or they will grow algae and potentially harbor molds, and other problematic organisms or even viruses. If kept in a sunny location (away from trees) then evaporation rates will be higher. Evaporation in general will be higher than with other options, as these are often shallow, with the exception of water fountains. As these are above ground they can be susceptible to damage during heavy freezes. These may pose a hazard to children and small animals, who may accidentally knock the bath on top of themselves.
Solution: Finding a stable design or setting the bath down low (instead of on the pillar) can reduce the risk of injury. You can make bird baths more insect-friendly by putting a rock or several rocks into the water. A vinegar/water solution and a rough brush can easily clean out algae, etc. but you should then spray the bath with a hose to rinse, and then refill with fresh water.
Materials: These are commonly made of concrete, but metal stands with glass, or even porcelain bird baths are also available.
Fuel Types: N/A - Just needs vinegar and a brush for cleaning, plus water for cleaning, rinsing, and refilling.
Bird Bath Safety
The biggest concerns for a bird bath are:
Cleanliness to combat avian viruses and algae.
Keeping the bird bath full.
Stability to prevent injuries.
Pollinators and small animals benefit from small pebbles to provide safe access.
Click the link below to learn how to keep your birdbath fresh. It just takes a few minutes about twice week to keep your neighborhood birds healthy!
Organizations
North America
USA
Water for Wildlife "is a conservation organization designed to benefit our nation’s wildlife. Our initial emphasis focused on plains game preservation and management through the development of supplemental water resources in selected areas where both the habitat and wildlife are being impaired by lack of water, a vital natural resource. We have now invested in over 500 water projects in twelve western states. These crucial water sources sustain both wild game and non-game animals including songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, fish, and many more. Our charitable goals are to create awareness of increased pressure on water resources necessary for the continued sustenance of wildlife and to increase the availability of water for all wildlife in remote and arid regions of our country. The Benefits Wildlife rely on their habitat for water, feed, and cover. As these resources become increasingly scarce, our projects support the continued viability of wildlife under these conditions. We work with state and federal wildlife and land management officials and other conservation organizations to identify the need for projects, located primarily on public land."
Grants & Funding
North America
USA
Water for Wildlife: Grant Application "The Water for Wildlife® Foundation is committed to playing a pivotal role in the conservation of wildlife through the development of supplemental water/habitat resources. WFWF helps bridge the gaps between agencies and other partners to implement projects. We provide grants each year for the construction of water/habitat developments for wildlife. Water for Wildlife® project applications should show at least a 1:1 cost share match for consideration. Water projects are ranked and prioritized for funding based on benefits to area wildlife, distances to perennial water sources, cost share funding and partners identified, cost effectiveness, public benefit, and completeness of application submitted. Funding levels vary from project to project, but typically range from $1,000 – $10,000. The Foundation is encouraging your agency or conservation organization to partner with us to support our efforts of making water/habitat as accessible to wildlife as possible."
Oceana
Australia
Western Australia
Bird Bath Rebate "The City’s Habitat for Homes program encourages its residents to create habitats in their homes by growing native gardens and having bird baths for native animals to find shelter and food. Cockburn residents can receive a 50% rebate (up to $50) towards the cost of a bird bath."