I now have a de-icer in my birdbath after watching your videos Mark. It was much easier than I imagined and within 2 hours, I had a large robin get a drink! Thanks for the advice and my backyard birds are now well fed and hydrated.
This was such an insightful video! We run a local nest box program for bluebirds and tree swallows, so we’re always looking for ways to support birds through the colder months. Just subscribed-looking forward to learning more from your incredible experience! Thanks for sharing your insights!
Question: Should I place rocks in the birdbath in order to prevent them from immersing themselves while still allowing access? The opinion varies regarding this. Thank you. Appreciate your Channel. Contending with the snow here as well. Best
@rooster7996 Smart, but should they be allowed to immerse themselves? Some videos online say yes others state no claiming it is dangerous in the winter. But, birds have access to lakes and streams surely God made them intelligent enough to know what to do and when. However, there are videos declaring not to allow them the opportunity to immerse themselves at a birdbath. Best
I encourage using flat rocks in bird baths to give them different depths of water. I'm curious if any of the online folks have any scientific data that indicates it is not safe or if it is just their opinion. I have been doing this for over 40 years and have never seen any data that supports the "birds will freeze" if they get wet. On the contrary, I have seen many birds bathe in below freezing temps without harm. They have to keep their feathers healthy as well as hydrate. I'm glad you like the channel.
I live in Maine and just got my first birdbath…guess I hesitated because I have a brook running through the property about 100 yards away. Parts of it freeze over but there’ are always some parts open. I put a flat rock in the middle mostly because the feeders and location is on a deck that is open below and about 10-12 feet up. I am proud to say it was a great move the other day WITH 40-45 MPH winds the bath, although lost plenty of water just from it splashing over the lip, the plastic bowl stayed put …it does have a cage around the bowl, which I am sure helped, but it was a good test. Here’s another testimony though….THE BIRDS LOVE IT! After trapping out the house sparrows last year this year I did nest watch and raised two broods of Bluebirds, this winter I have bluebirds that are overwintering. I have a mealworms feeder where I can see it but not one the deck. (Starlings seem to discourage their feeding with the other birds. But because of the water I am observing them up close and personal.
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I now have a de-icer in my birdbath after watching your videos Mark. It was much easier than I imagined and within 2 hours, I had a large robin get a drink! Thanks for the advice and my backyard birds are now well fed and hydrated.
That’s wonderful to hear! I am so glad I could help.
Thanks for your information. Much appreciated.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
This was such an insightful video! We run a local nest box program for bluebirds and tree swallows, so we’re always looking for ways to support birds through the colder months. Just subscribed-looking forward to learning more from your incredible experience! Thanks for sharing your insights!
It makes me feel so good to know people find the videos helpful! Thanks for letting me know.
Hey! Thanks ..neat info. Hope you and your family stay safe and warm. God bless
Thank you! Stay warm yourself
Question: Should I place rocks in the birdbath in order to prevent them from immersing themselves while still allowing access?
The opinion varies regarding this. Thank you. Appreciate your Channel. Contending with the snow here as well. Best
I put rocks in mine simply as another perch so they don’t just use the perimeter.
@rooster7996 Smart, but should they be allowed to immerse themselves? Some videos online say yes others state no claiming it is dangerous in the winter.
But, birds have access to lakes and streams surely God made them intelligent enough to know what to do and when.
However, there are videos declaring not to allow them the opportunity to immerse themselves at a birdbath. Best
I encourage using flat rocks in bird baths to give them different depths of water. I'm curious if any of the online folks have any scientific data that indicates it is not safe or if it is just their opinion. I have been doing this for over 40 years and have never seen any data that supports the "birds will freeze" if they get wet. On the contrary, I have seen many birds bathe in below freezing temps without harm. They have to keep their feathers healthy as well as hydrate. I'm glad you like the channel.
I live in Maine and just got my first birdbath…guess I hesitated because I have a brook running through the property about 100 yards away. Parts of it freeze over but there’ are always some parts open. I put a flat rock in the middle mostly because the feeders and location is on a deck that is open below and about 10-12 feet up. I am proud to say it was a great move the other day WITH 40-45 MPH winds the bath, although lost plenty of water just from it splashing over the lip, the plastic bowl stayed put …it does have a cage around the bowl, which I am sure helped, but it was a good test. Here’s another testimony though….THE BIRDS LOVE IT! After trapping out the house sparrows last year this year I did nest watch and raised two broods of Bluebirds, this winter I have bluebirds that are overwintering. I have a mealworms feeder where I can see it but not one the deck. (Starlings seem to discourage their feeding with the other birds. But because of the water I am observing them up close and personal.
@ Excellent. I know the birds are benefiting from you offer. Great job.