Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
BIRDS DON'T NEED HOT TUBS
I'm sometimes asked about
providingheatedbirdbathsinthewinter.Generally,this
isn'tagoodidea.Allanimalsrequiredrinkingwater,andbirdsarenoexception.They're
drawn to open water, and find birdbaths especially attractive when natural sources of
open water are scarce.
But when temperatures are well below freezing, open water steams up, and birds vis-
iting it may become coated with ice. Worse, some birds may be tempted to bathe rather
than simply drink, and when they hop out of the water, ice may form on their feathers,
making flight impossible. I've heard firsthand accounts of this happening to European
Starlings and to Mourning Doves.
I would never use a heated bath when temperatures were below about 20°F (-7°C)
to prevent steam from coating feathers. If using a heated bath, it's also a good idea to
cover it with a grille of wooden dowels that allow birds to insert their beaks for drinking
without being able to get their bodies into the water.
Onethingtoconsiderbeforebuyingaheatedbirdbathiswhetherit'sworthexpending
the natural resources to run the electricity. I often set a sturdy plastic bowl filled with
water on my window platform feeder in the morning, and I bring it in when ice forms.
Thirsty birds can get a drink, but since they can also get the water they need from snow
and dripping icicles, I don't feel that they're deprived.
Q My neighbor says bird feeders are dangerous for birds because they foster the
spread of diseases. Is this true?
A
When birds are extremely concentrated, in either natural situations or at feeding sta-
tions, sick individuals can spread their germs to the other birds, so it's prudent to close
down your feeding station if you spot any sick birds. Wait several days after seeing the
sick bird to replace the feeders, and thoroughly clean them and set out new seed when
you do.
