#birdbaths — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #birdbaths, aggregated by home.social.
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#Insects are often forgotten during a #heatwave #drought. Not all can walk on deep water in #birdbaths. I use flowerpot coasters filled with some stones and fallen mossy branches. When a lot of moss fell down from an old tree, I filled one mainly with the dried moss. Surprise: it slowly gets green again and much smaller insects can land and drink, even butterflies come! And bigger animals.
#drinktips #mosstodon #gardening #biodiversity #paperwasps #water #biodiversity #NatureMatchCuts
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#Insects are often forgotten during a #heatwave #drought. Not all can walk on deep water in #birdbaths. I use flowerpot coasters filled with some stones and fallen mossy branches. When a lot of moss fell down from an old tree, I filled one mainly with the dried moss. Surprise: it slowly gets green again and much smaller insects can land and drink, even butterflies come! And bigger animals.
#drinktips #mosstodon #gardening #biodiversity #paperwasps #water #biodiversity #NatureMatchCuts
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Ditch Traditional Bird Baths: The Cute Amazon Find That Doubles As Garden Decor https://www.allforgardening.com/1872406/ditch-traditional-bird-baths-the-cute-amazon-find-that-doubles-as-garden-decor/ #BirdBath #BirdBaths #BirdFeeder #garden #GardenGnomes
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Ditch Traditional Bird Baths: The Cute Amazon Find That Doubles As Garden Decor https://www.allforgardening.com/1872406/ditch-traditional-bird-baths-the-cute-amazon-find-that-doubles-as-garden-decor/ #BirdBath #BirdBaths #BirdFeeder #garden #GardenGnomes
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#BlueCornflowers and #CosmosFlowers are blooming in the flower garden that I've expanded (and I hope will re-seed itself -- the Cosmos already has). There are some #Zinnias and other flowers in the mix, and a swath of white clover. The local birds have been enjoying the birdbath on these hot days.
#SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #GardeningForPollinators #BirdBaths
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#BlueCornflowers and #CosmosFlowers are blooming in the flower garden that I've expanded (and I hope will re-seed itself -- the Cosmos already has). There are some #Zinnias and other flowers in the mix, and a swath of white clover. The local birds have been enjoying the birdbath on these hot days.
#SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #GardeningForPollinators #BirdBaths
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How does #wildlife beat the heat?
Learn the wild ways #Massachusetts critters survive the summer.
7/01/2026"What do wild animals do when temperatures start to climb? Like any good New Englander, our local wildlife is built to survive all 4 seasons. From bizarre bodily functions to wardrobe changes, here’s how they’ll stay cool this summer.
Thermal panting and gular fluttering
You’ve likely seen a dog pant after laying in the sun. Wild animals do this too. Thermal panting increases the evaporation of liquid off their tongue and inside of their mouth, lowering their body temperature. Members of the canid (dog) and cervid (deer and moose) families are especially known for panting to thermoregulate. Certain birds, like owls and cormorants, use a similar strategy called gular fluttering—rapidly vibrating their throat to increase evaporation and cool themselves down.
“Hot yoga” for birds
When it gets hot, great blue herons will spread their wings in a dramatic, statue-like pose. Although it may look like yoga, they are actually striking this pose to release heat from their body and allow a cool breeze to reach areas of skin with fewer feathers. Interestingly, they also do this in the morning sun to warm up their bodies after a cool night.
A messy solution
Turkey vultures purposely defecate on their legs when it gets hot out. As the waste evaporates, it cools the bird down.
Turkey vultures and northern gannets use a unique, albeit gross, cooling strategy called urohidrosis (pronounced yoo-roh-hi-DROH-sis). These birds purposely defecate on their featherless legs to keep cool. The evaporation of the waste along the blood vessels results in a cooling effect. They’re not the only animals that do this. Harbor seals urinate on their hind flippers while sunbathing to regulate their body temperature too.
Shifting scenery and wardrobe
Blanding's turtles often move into shaded areas or underneath leaf litter to escape the summer heat
Sometimes survival just requires a change in routine. Some wildlife exhibit more nocturnal or crepuscular (dawn and dusk) activity so they can rest through the hottest part of the day. When it gets too warm, reptiles and amphibians move to cooler microclimates, underneath leaf litter and rotting logs, or submerge themselves in water. Black bears and moose will seek shelter in forested wetlands and use mud and shallow water to cool down. Occasionally, they come to artificial water sources, like swimming pools or water troughs. If you find wildlife cooling off, always keep your distance and wait for the animal to move on.
Many mammals, like coyote, deer, and fisher, also have thinner summer fur compared to their winter coats. Taking it a step further, bobcats not only have a thinner coat, they also tend to have less spots and more tawny, reddish fur to better camouflage with their summer habitats.
Want to help wildlife stay cool this summer?
Wild animals can care for themselves year-round and almost never need our help, even when it’s hot. However, you can make your yard a natural, cooling oasis for wildlife with these tips:
Note: If there are West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) detections in your area, remove all standing water to avoid attracting mosquitoes.
- Grow native plants: For all wildlife, grow native plants, shrubs, and trees that offer natural sources of food and shelter from the sun.
- Bird bath 101: For songbirds, provide a shallow, clean bird bath with 1–2 inches of water. They are especially attracted to moving or dripping water. Be sure to replace the water weekly and regularly scrub the bird bath to remove build up. Learn more about creating a bird-friendly area.
- Be a rest stop for bugs: During droughts, or in areas far from natural water sources, create a water station in your garden for bees, butterflies, and other insects. Fill a shallow saucer with water and place items for bugs to perch on, like small rocks and twigs, in the saucer. Don’t add sugar, but a small pinch of salt can provide minerals that bees and butterflies need. Change the water at least weekly.
- Avoid causing harm when trying to help: Never intentionally feed wildlife. This can cause individuals to gather at the site, creating a place for disease to spread and for wildlife to become less cautious around people. This could further harm the animals you were trying to help."Source:
https://www.mass.gov/news/how-does-wildlife-beat-the-heat#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForWildlife #GardeningForPollinators
#BeeWateringStations #BirdBaths #Heatwave #Heatwaves #BackyardWildlife #KeepCool #KeepingCool #ClimateChange -
How does #wildlife beat the heat?
Learn the wild ways #Massachusetts critters survive the summer.
7/01/2026"What do wild animals do when temperatures start to climb? Like any good New Englander, our local wildlife is built to survive all 4 seasons. From bizarre bodily functions to wardrobe changes, here’s how they’ll stay cool this summer.
Thermal panting and gular fluttering
You’ve likely seen a dog pant after laying in the sun. Wild animals do this too. Thermal panting increases the evaporation of liquid off their tongue and inside of their mouth, lowering their body temperature. Members of the canid (dog) and cervid (deer and moose) families are especially known for panting to thermoregulate. Certain birds, like owls and cormorants, use a similar strategy called gular fluttering—rapidly vibrating their throat to increase evaporation and cool themselves down.
“Hot yoga” for birds
When it gets hot, great blue herons will spread their wings in a dramatic, statue-like pose. Although it may look like yoga, they are actually striking this pose to release heat from their body and allow a cool breeze to reach areas of skin with fewer feathers. Interestingly, they also do this in the morning sun to warm up their bodies after a cool night.
A messy solution
Turkey vultures purposely defecate on their legs when it gets hot out. As the waste evaporates, it cools the bird down.
Turkey vultures and northern gannets use a unique, albeit gross, cooling strategy called urohidrosis (pronounced yoo-roh-hi-DROH-sis). These birds purposely defecate on their featherless legs to keep cool. The evaporation of the waste along the blood vessels results in a cooling effect. They’re not the only animals that do this. Harbor seals urinate on their hind flippers while sunbathing to regulate their body temperature too.
Shifting scenery and wardrobe
Blanding's turtles often move into shaded areas or underneath leaf litter to escape the summer heat
Sometimes survival just requires a change in routine. Some wildlife exhibit more nocturnal or crepuscular (dawn and dusk) activity so they can rest through the hottest part of the day. When it gets too warm, reptiles and amphibians move to cooler microclimates, underneath leaf litter and rotting logs, or submerge themselves in water. Black bears and moose will seek shelter in forested wetlands and use mud and shallow water to cool down. Occasionally, they come to artificial water sources, like swimming pools or water troughs. If you find wildlife cooling off, always keep your distance and wait for the animal to move on.
Many mammals, like coyote, deer, and fisher, also have thinner summer fur compared to their winter coats. Taking it a step further, bobcats not only have a thinner coat, they also tend to have less spots and more tawny, reddish fur to better camouflage with their summer habitats.
Want to help wildlife stay cool this summer?
Wild animals can care for themselves year-round and almost never need our help, even when it’s hot. However, you can make your yard a natural, cooling oasis for wildlife with these tips:
Note: If there are West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) detections in your area, remove all standing water to avoid attracting mosquitoes.
- Grow native plants: For all wildlife, grow native plants, shrubs, and trees that offer natural sources of food and shelter from the sun.
- Bird bath 101: For songbirds, provide a shallow, clean bird bath with 1–2 inches of water. They are especially attracted to moving or dripping water. Be sure to replace the water weekly and regularly scrub the bird bath to remove build up. Learn more about creating a bird-friendly area.
- Be a rest stop for bugs: During droughts, or in areas far from natural water sources, create a water station in your garden for bees, butterflies, and other insects. Fill a shallow saucer with water and place items for bugs to perch on, like small rocks and twigs, in the saucer. Don’t add sugar, but a small pinch of salt can provide minerals that bees and butterflies need. Change the water at least weekly.
- Avoid causing harm when trying to help: Never intentionally feed wildlife. This can cause individuals to gather at the site, creating a place for disease to spread and for wildlife to become less cautious around people. This could further harm the animals you were trying to help."Source:
https://www.mass.gov/news/how-does-wildlife-beat-the-heat#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForWildlife #GardeningForPollinators
#BeeWateringStations #BirdBaths #Heatwave #Heatwaves #BackyardWildlife #KeepCool #KeepingCool #ClimateChange -
Bizarre ways #Massachusetts #wildlife beat the heat as state braces for 100+ degree week
By Liesel Nygard
Jun. 30, 2026"As Massachusetts prepares to face a brutal and prolonged heat wave that could push heat indices well past 100 degrees this week, local wildlife is already equipped with bizarre and fascinating methods to survive the sweltering temperatures.
"An extreme heat warning is in effect for most of the state from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday. The impending conditions are commonly referred to as a heat dome, with peak heat index values expected to range from 98 to 112 degrees across the region as the week progresses.
"National Weather Service meteorologist Rob Megnia clarified that the system references an extended ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere, noting in an interview with MassLive that the technical makeup creates 'a big plume of heat that’s going to be covering the whole East Coast.'
"While human residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid strenuous activity and constantly hydrate, New England’s wild animals rely on a mix of unique physiological adaptations and behavioral shifts to cool down.
"Much like a domestic dog on a hot afternoon, wild members of the canid and cervid families — including coyotes, deer and moose — use thermal #panting to evaporate moisture from their tongues and lower their body temperatures. Certain birds, such as owls and cormorants, rapidly vibrate their throats in a similar biological strategy known as gular fluttering, according to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
"Other avian species have more dramatic or unusual solutions. Great blue herons spread their wings in a statue-like yoga pose to catch cool breezes on patches of skin with fewer feathers.
"Meanwhile, turkey vultures and northern gannets practice urohidrosis, purposely defecating on their featherless legs so the evaporating waste cools down their blood vessels.
"Harbor seals employ a similar marine tactic, urinating on their hind flippers to thermoregulate while sunbathing, according to state experts.
"Survival in extreme heat also demands dynamic shifts in scenery and wardrobe. When temperatures climb, amphibians and reptiles seek out cooler microclimates beneath rotting logs or underneath leaf litter, while bears and moose look for shelter in forested #wetlands or #ShallowMud.
"In addition to adopting more nocturnal or dawn-and-dusk routines to avoid the hottest parts of the day, mammals like fishers and coyotes shed their thick winter fur.
"Bobcats take it a step further by growing a thinner coat with fewer spots and redder fur to seamlessly blend into their summer habitats, according to the state.
"Wildlife biologists emphasize that wild animals almost never need human intervention to survive extreme weather, but residents can take small steps to turn their yards into natural cooling oases.
"Residents are encouraged to grow #NativePlants for shade and to provide small, shallow #WaterStations for bugs, birds and pollinators.
"However, state officials advise regularly scrubbing out bird baths and removing standing water to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.
"They also strongly warn against intentionally feeding wildlife, noting that doing so artificially congregates animals in a single spot, increasing the risk of disease spread and eroding their natural caution around people."
#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForWildlife #GardeningForPollinators #BeeWateringStations #BirdBaths #Heatwave #Heatwaves #BackyardWildlife #KeepCool #KeepingCool
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Bizarre ways #Massachusetts #wildlife beat the heat as state braces for 100+ degree week
By Liesel Nygard
Jun. 30, 2026"As Massachusetts prepares to face a brutal and prolonged heat wave that could push heat indices well past 100 degrees this week, local wildlife is already equipped with bizarre and fascinating methods to survive the sweltering temperatures.
"An extreme heat warning is in effect for most of the state from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday. The impending conditions are commonly referred to as a heat dome, with peak heat index values expected to range from 98 to 112 degrees across the region as the week progresses.
"National Weather Service meteorologist Rob Megnia clarified that the system references an extended ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere, noting in an interview with MassLive that the technical makeup creates 'a big plume of heat that’s going to be covering the whole East Coast.'
"While human residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid strenuous activity and constantly hydrate, New England’s wild animals rely on a mix of unique physiological adaptations and behavioral shifts to cool down.
"Much like a domestic dog on a hot afternoon, wild members of the canid and cervid families — including coyotes, deer and moose — use thermal #panting to evaporate moisture from their tongues and lower their body temperatures. Certain birds, such as owls and cormorants, rapidly vibrate their throats in a similar biological strategy known as gular fluttering, according to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
"Other avian species have more dramatic or unusual solutions. Great blue herons spread their wings in a statue-like yoga pose to catch cool breezes on patches of skin with fewer feathers.
"Meanwhile, turkey vultures and northern gannets practice urohidrosis, purposely defecating on their featherless legs so the evaporating waste cools down their blood vessels.
"Harbor seals employ a similar marine tactic, urinating on their hind flippers to thermoregulate while sunbathing, according to state experts.
"Survival in extreme heat also demands dynamic shifts in scenery and wardrobe. When temperatures climb, amphibians and reptiles seek out cooler microclimates beneath rotting logs or underneath leaf litter, while bears and moose look for shelter in forested #wetlands or #ShallowMud.
"In addition to adopting more nocturnal or dawn-and-dusk routines to avoid the hottest parts of the day, mammals like fishers and coyotes shed their thick winter fur.
"Bobcats take it a step further by growing a thinner coat with fewer spots and redder fur to seamlessly blend into their summer habitats, according to the state.
"Wildlife biologists emphasize that wild animals almost never need human intervention to survive extreme weather, but residents can take small steps to turn their yards into natural cooling oases.
"Residents are encouraged to grow #NativePlants for shade and to provide small, shallow #WaterStations for bugs, birds and pollinators.
"However, state officials advise regularly scrubbing out bird baths and removing standing water to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.
"They also strongly warn against intentionally feeding wildlife, noting that doing so artificially congregates animals in a single spot, increasing the risk of disease spread and eroding their natural caution around people."
#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForWildlife #GardeningForPollinators #BeeWateringStations #BirdBaths #Heatwave #Heatwaves #BackyardWildlife #KeepCool #KeepingCool
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Gardeners urged to move bird baths to 1 spot on Wednesday and Thursday https://www.allforgardening.com/1836280/gardeners-urged-to-move-bird-baths-to-1-spot-on-wednesday-and-thursday/ #BirdBaths #garden #gardener #gardening #GardeningTips #heatwave #HotWeather #MetOffice #WildlifeConservation
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Gardeners urged to move bird baths to 1 spot on Wednesday and Thursday https://www.allforgardening.com/1836280/gardeners-urged-to-move-bird-baths-to-1-spot-on-wednesday-and-thursday/ #BirdBaths #garden #gardener #gardening #GardeningTips #heatwave #HotWeather #MetOffice #WildlifeConservation
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The Right Way to Clean a #BirdBath (and #KeepBirdsSafe)
#BirdBaths can build up with potentially harmful bacteria, pathogens, and algae if not cleaned properly.
By Madeline Buiano
Updated on May 29, 2026"Bird baths give our feathered friends a peaceful refuge to hydrate and preen, but proper maintenance is needed to keep them welcoming and safe. Since the water in a bird bath is typically stagnant and not naturally filtered as it is in a stream or pond, it can accumulate potentially harmful bacteria and other pathogens. Regular cleaning and water changes help prevent stagnant water that can breed mosquitoes and reduce the spread of disease among birds. Bird baths may need more frequent refreshing during hot weather, periods of algae growth, or times of heavy bird activity.
Cleaning your bird bath—and filling it with fresh water regularly—will ensure it's safe for the birds that drink from it and use it to clean their feathers. Here's how to do it.
How Often to Clean a Bird Bath
How often you clean your bird bath depends on a few factors, including the weather, how frequently it's used, and where it's located. Generally, you should clean your bird bath every two to three days, or more often if the water looks cloudy or dirty. More frequent cleanings may also be necessary if it's hot outside or if the bird bath is under a tree.
"Clean your bird bath more thoroughly every week or so by scrubbing it with a vinegar solution and letting it dry before refilling it," says Tod Winston, a birding guide and urban biodiversity specialist at New York City Bird Alliance.
Materials NeededMake sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.
- Rubber gloves
- Scrub brush
- Hose or bucket
- Water
- Distilled white vinegarSteps for Cleaning a Bird Bath
While it's important to replace your bird bath water and rinse away any debris every other day, you should also complete a deep clean of the bird bath once a week, following the steps outlined below.
1. Discard Old Water
Start by putting on a pair of waterproof gloves to protect your hands when cleaning. "Pour out the old bird bath water and large debris into a nearby flower bed or lawn, where it will drain into the soil and not accumulate," says Winston.
2. Rinse and Scrub
Once the dirty water is removed, rinse the bird bath out with a hose or bucket of clean water. Scrub any lingering debris with a brush. Note that the type of brush you use depends on the material of your bird bath.
"For the lightweight plastic basin I use in the WarblerFall, I have learned the hard way that a wire brush, which works well on hard ceramic, will score it badly," says Julie Zickefoose, bird expert and creator of the DIY WarblerFall bird bath. "Algae then gets in the scratch marks, and you can't get it out." For delicate materials, consider a nylon dish scrubber or a cleaning eraser.
3. Clean With Vinegar
Next, mix a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part distilled white vinegar, says Winston. Dip a scrub brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the bird bath, focusing on areas with heavy algae buildup.
Do not use soaps with synthetic ingredients, such as common dish soap, to clean your bird bath, as the chemicals can strip the oils off the bird's feathers.
4. Rinse and Refill
After scrubbing the bird bath, rinse it with water to remove the vinegar solution. "Let it dry in the sun to make sure any remaining vinegar has evaporated," says Winston. Once the bird bath is dry, refill it with fresh water.
Tips for Maintaining a Bird Bath
There are a few measures you can take to reduce how often you need to replace the water in your bird bath and keep it sanitary between deep cleans.
- If possible, place your bird bath in the shade to keep the water cool, reduce evaporation, and slow down the growth of algae and bacteria, says Winston. The best area for a bird bath is near, but not directly under, a low shrub or tree. [Plus it gives the birds a place to perch if someone is already in the bath]
- If your bath has rocks, keep a reserve pile of flat rocks to switch out and set the dirty ones in the hot sun to bake, says Zickefoose.
- Generally, your bird bath water should be no more than 2 inches deep. "Deeper water is less comfortable for smaller birds to wash and preen, and is harder to keep clean," says Winston.
- Always replace old bird bath water completely rather than just adding more water to a dirty bird bath.
- Consider adding a running water feature to your bird bath, either with a fountain or a simple, slow trickle from a hose. "The sound of moving or dripping water is very attractive to birds, and water movement will also discourage mosquitoes from attempting to breed," says Winston."Source:
https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-clean-a-bird-bath-11983181 -
The Right Way to Clean a #BirdBath (and #KeepBirdsSafe)
#BirdBaths can build up with potentially harmful bacteria, pathogens, and algae if not cleaned properly.
By Madeline Buiano
Updated on May 29, 2026"Bird baths give our feathered friends a peaceful refuge to hydrate and preen, but proper maintenance is needed to keep them welcoming and safe. Since the water in a bird bath is typically stagnant and not naturally filtered as it is in a stream or pond, it can accumulate potentially harmful bacteria and other pathogens. Regular cleaning and water changes help prevent stagnant water that can breed mosquitoes and reduce the spread of disease among birds. Bird baths may need more frequent refreshing during hot weather, periods of algae growth, or times of heavy bird activity.
Cleaning your bird bath—and filling it with fresh water regularly—will ensure it's safe for the birds that drink from it and use it to clean their feathers. Here's how to do it.
How Often to Clean a Bird Bath
How often you clean your bird bath depends on a few factors, including the weather, how frequently it's used, and where it's located. Generally, you should clean your bird bath every two to three days, or more often if the water looks cloudy or dirty. More frequent cleanings may also be necessary if it's hot outside or if the bird bath is under a tree.
"Clean your bird bath more thoroughly every week or so by scrubbing it with a vinegar solution and letting it dry before refilling it," says Tod Winston, a birding guide and urban biodiversity specialist at New York City Bird Alliance.
Materials NeededMake sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.
- Rubber gloves
- Scrub brush
- Hose or bucket
- Water
- Distilled white vinegarSteps for Cleaning a Bird Bath
While it's important to replace your bird bath water and rinse away any debris every other day, you should also complete a deep clean of the bird bath once a week, following the steps outlined below.
1. Discard Old Water
Start by putting on a pair of waterproof gloves to protect your hands when cleaning. "Pour out the old bird bath water and large debris into a nearby flower bed or lawn, where it will drain into the soil and not accumulate," says Winston.
2. Rinse and Scrub
Once the dirty water is removed, rinse the bird bath out with a hose or bucket of clean water. Scrub any lingering debris with a brush. Note that the type of brush you use depends on the material of your bird bath.
"For the lightweight plastic basin I use in the WarblerFall, I have learned the hard way that a wire brush, which works well on hard ceramic, will score it badly," says Julie Zickefoose, bird expert and creator of the DIY WarblerFall bird bath. "Algae then gets in the scratch marks, and you can't get it out." For delicate materials, consider a nylon dish scrubber or a cleaning eraser.
3. Clean With Vinegar
Next, mix a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part distilled white vinegar, says Winston. Dip a scrub brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the bird bath, focusing on areas with heavy algae buildup.
Do not use soaps with synthetic ingredients, such as common dish soap, to clean your bird bath, as the chemicals can strip the oils off the bird's feathers.
4. Rinse and Refill
After scrubbing the bird bath, rinse it with water to remove the vinegar solution. "Let it dry in the sun to make sure any remaining vinegar has evaporated," says Winston. Once the bird bath is dry, refill it with fresh water.
Tips for Maintaining a Bird Bath
There are a few measures you can take to reduce how often you need to replace the water in your bird bath and keep it sanitary between deep cleans.
- If possible, place your bird bath in the shade to keep the water cool, reduce evaporation, and slow down the growth of algae and bacteria, says Winston. The best area for a bird bath is near, but not directly under, a low shrub or tree. [Plus it gives the birds a place to perch if someone is already in the bath]
- If your bath has rocks, keep a reserve pile of flat rocks to switch out and set the dirty ones in the hot sun to bake, says Zickefoose.
- Generally, your bird bath water should be no more than 2 inches deep. "Deeper water is less comfortable for smaller birds to wash and preen, and is harder to keep clean," says Winston.
- Always replace old bird bath water completely rather than just adding more water to a dirty bird bath.
- Consider adding a running water feature to your bird bath, either with a fountain or a simple, slow trickle from a hose. "The sound of moving or dripping water is very attractive to birds, and water movement will also discourage mosquitoes from attempting to breed," says Winston."Source:
https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-clean-a-bird-bath-11983181 -
Gardeners with a birdbath urged to place simple object in it before summer https://www.allforgardening.com/1761796/gardeners-with-a-birdbath-urged-to-place-simple-object-in-it-before-summer/ #BirdbathCleaning #birdbaths #BirdsHack #garden #gardening #HowToAttractBirdsToYourGarden #HowToAttractBirdsToYourGardenInSpring #HowToAttractBirdsToYourGardenInSummer #HowToCleanBirdbaths #HowToPrepareBirdbathForSummer
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Gardeners with a birdbath urged to place simple object in it before summer https://www.allforgardening.com/1761796/gardeners-with-a-birdbath-urged-to-place-simple-object-in-it-before-summer/ #BirdbathCleaning #birdbaths #BirdsHack #garden #gardening #HowToAttractBirdsToYourGarden #HowToAttractBirdsToYourGardenInSpring #HowToAttractBirdsToYourGardenInSummer #HowToCleanBirdbaths #HowToPrepareBirdbathForSummer
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‘Good quality’ bird bath is ‘easy to clean’ and ‘looks good’ https://www.allforgardening.com/1705588/good-quality-bird-bath-is-easy-to-clean-and-looks-good/ #Amazon #BirdBaths #ExpressShopping #garden #GardenFurniture #GardenTools #GardeningTech #plants
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‘Good quality’ bird bath is ‘easy to clean’ and ‘looks good’ https://www.allforgardening.com/1705588/good-quality-bird-bath-is-easy-to-clean-and-looks-good/ #Amazon #BirdBaths #ExpressShopping #garden #GardenFurniture #GardenTools #GardeningTech #plants
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Gardeners urged to put a penny in their birdbaths this March https://www.allforgardening.com/1649752/gardeners-urged-to-put-a-penny-in-their-birdbaths-this-march/ #AlgaePrevention #birdbaths #CopperCoins #garden #Garden(section) #gardener #gardening #WildlifeProtection
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Gardeners urged to put a penny in their birdbaths this March https://www.allforgardening.com/1649752/gardeners-urged-to-put-a-penny-in-their-birdbaths-this-march/ #AlgaePrevention #birdbaths #CopperCoins #garden #Garden(section) #gardener #gardening #WildlifeProtection
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Two starlings bathing 🐦✨💦
https://loops.video/v/7O-53YlfAX -
Two starlings bathing 🐦✨💦
https://loops.video/v/7O-53YlfAX -
A good reminder, @MaQuest ! TY for posting this!
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A good reminder, @MaQuest ! TY for posting this!
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10 Things Nobody Tells You About Bird Baths
https://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-things-nobody-tells-bird-baths/ -
10 Things Nobody Tells You About Bird Baths
https://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-things-nobody-tells-bird-baths/ -
CT couple grows booming landscaping business, keeps store https://www.allforgardening.com/1339605/ct-couple-grows-booming-landscaping-business-keeps-store/ #BirdBaths #BirdFeeders #birdhouses #birds #business #Christmas #ConnecticutNews #CTNews #Ecuador #garden #gardening #gardens #gaylordsville #gifts #gnomes #HartfordCourant #landscaping #LitchfieldCountyNewYork #LocalNews #NewMilford #plants #PlantsAndTrees #shopping #state #Stores #Supplies #ThingsToDo #WhereToGo
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CT couple grows booming landscaping business, keeps store https://www.allforgardening.com/1339605/ct-couple-grows-booming-landscaping-business-keeps-store/ #BirdBaths #BirdFeeders #birdhouses #birds #business #Christmas #ConnecticutNews #CTNews #Ecuador #garden #gardening #gardens #gaylordsville #gifts #gnomes #HartfordCourant #landscaping #LitchfieldCountyNewYork #LocalNews #NewMilford #plants #PlantsAndTrees #shopping #state #Stores #Supplies #ThingsToDo #WhereToGo
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Here are some tips if you decide to put out a #BirdFeeder
Your wildlife questions are answered by
#MaineAudubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox.
Posted December 21, 2024"Let’s start with the classic: “should you even feed birds?” The easy answer is “Yes,” but it is important to acknowledge that this comes with more responsibility than I think most people are aware of. Primarily, if you are going to be feeding birds, you need to also make sure that your feeders and the seeds in them are clean, generally kept dry, and are not going to be harmful to the birds. Cleaning the feeders once every two weeks is typically adequate to ensure that no bacteria is growing or to help prevent disease from spreading, but this will vary. If it is warm or wet, you’ll want to clean more often, or if you are seeing a sick bird at the feeder, like one with avian conjunctivitis, then you’ll want to clean the feeder and maybe pause feeding for a week or two."
Read more:
https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/12/21/here-are-some-tips-if-you-decide-to-put-out-a-bird-feeder/Archived version:
https://archive.md/cWFuk#selection-1823.0-1847.11
#BirdFeeders #Birdbaths #AvianInfluenza #AvianFlu #BirdFlu #H5N1 -
Here are some tips if you decide to put out a #BirdFeeder
Your wildlife questions are answered by
#MaineAudubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox.
Posted December 21, 2024"Let’s start with the classic: “should you even feed birds?” The easy answer is “Yes,” but it is important to acknowledge that this comes with more responsibility than I think most people are aware of. Primarily, if you are going to be feeding birds, you need to also make sure that your feeders and the seeds in them are clean, generally kept dry, and are not going to be harmful to the birds. Cleaning the feeders once every two weeks is typically adequate to ensure that no bacteria is growing or to help prevent disease from spreading, but this will vary. If it is warm or wet, you’ll want to clean more often, or if you are seeing a sick bird at the feeder, like one with avian conjunctivitis, then you’ll want to clean the feeder and maybe pause feeding for a week or two."
Read more:
https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/12/21/here-are-some-tips-if-you-decide-to-put-out-a-bird-feeder/Archived version:
https://archive.md/cWFuk#selection-1823.0-1847.11
#BirdFeeders #Birdbaths #AvianInfluenza #AvianFlu #BirdFlu #H5N1 -
Three Easy but Important Ways to Keep Your #BirdFeeders Disease-Free
Make sure you're helping, not harming, your feathered visitors with these simple steps.
By National Audubon Society
Updated April 24, 2024"Feeding birds is a wonderful way to help avian visitors fuel up for migration or make it through a tough winter. It can also provide great opportunities for wildlife photography and observation. But it’s not enough to put out a feeder and fill it regularly. You need to clean it out, or you risk inadvertently causing the birds that visit to get sick. The same goes for #birdbaths.
"Some of the more common diseases that birds can spread through feeders include #HouseFinchEyeDisease (the colloquial name for mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, which can infect more than just the bird for which it’s named), #salmonellosis (caused by salmonella bacteria), #aspergillosis (a fungal respiratory disease), #AvianPox, and #AvianFlu. If you see a sick bird or one you suspect died from a disease outbreak, don’t pick it up or try to treat it yourself. Instead, contact your local #WildlifeRehabilitator or call the National Wildlife Health Center for instructions.
"To prevent the spread of illness in the birds that frequent your seed buffet, try these three steps:
1. Clean feeders regularly
The National Wildlife Health Center recommends cleaning bird baths and feeders with a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach. (If there is visible debris, such as feces, scrub it off before soaking in the bleach solution.) Dry out the feeder before hanging it back up. Project FeederWatch, a joint effort between Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, recommends cleaning seed feeders every two weeks or so. Double the frequency of cleaning if you suspect the presence of disease at all. It's always better to be safe than sorry.2. Tidy below the feeder
This can mean raking or shoveling up feces and hulls (seed casings)—particularly those that are moldy, wet, or spoiled—and throwing them out, Project Feederwatch recommends. That’ll also help prevent scattered food from attracting rodents. On snow-covered lawns, scraping off a few layers of white stuff should do the trick.3. Share the wealth
Disease spreads more easily in confined spaces and when groups are concentrated, so having multiple feeders can help prevent disease. Spreading out food among a few feeders provides less opportunities for sick birds to touch and contaminate others, says the National Wildlife Health Center."https://www.audubon.org/news/three-easy-important-ways-keep-your-bird-feeder-disease-free
#H5N1 #AvianInfluenza #BirdFlu -
Three Easy but Important Ways to Keep Your #BirdFeeders Disease-Free
Make sure you're helping, not harming, your feathered visitors with these simple steps.
By National Audubon Society
Updated April 24, 2024"Feeding birds is a wonderful way to help avian visitors fuel up for migration or make it through a tough winter. It can also provide great opportunities for wildlife photography and observation. But it’s not enough to put out a feeder and fill it regularly. You need to clean it out, or you risk inadvertently causing the birds that visit to get sick. The same goes for #birdbaths.
"Some of the more common diseases that birds can spread through feeders include #HouseFinchEyeDisease (the colloquial name for mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, which can infect more than just the bird for which it’s named), #salmonellosis (caused by salmonella bacteria), #aspergillosis (a fungal respiratory disease), #AvianPox, and #AvianFlu. If you see a sick bird or one you suspect died from a disease outbreak, don’t pick it up or try to treat it yourself. Instead, contact your local #WildlifeRehabilitator or call the National Wildlife Health Center for instructions.
"To prevent the spread of illness in the birds that frequent your seed buffet, try these three steps:
1. Clean feeders regularly
The National Wildlife Health Center recommends cleaning bird baths and feeders with a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach. (If there is visible debris, such as feces, scrub it off before soaking in the bleach solution.) Dry out the feeder before hanging it back up. Project FeederWatch, a joint effort between Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, recommends cleaning seed feeders every two weeks or so. Double the frequency of cleaning if you suspect the presence of disease at all. It's always better to be safe than sorry.2. Tidy below the feeder
This can mean raking or shoveling up feces and hulls (seed casings)—particularly those that are moldy, wet, or spoiled—and throwing them out, Project Feederwatch recommends. That’ll also help prevent scattered food from attracting rodents. On snow-covered lawns, scraping off a few layers of white stuff should do the trick.3. Share the wealth
Disease spreads more easily in confined spaces and when groups are concentrated, so having multiple feeders can help prevent disease. Spreading out food among a few feeders provides less opportunities for sick birds to touch and contaminate others, says the National Wildlife Health Center."https://www.audubon.org/news/three-easy-important-ways-keep-your-bird-feeder-disease-free
#H5N1 #AvianInfluenza #BirdFlu -
Focussing on one of those vulnerable species that we won’t find on a local walk. A particularly iconic and highly vulnerable example, here in Canada, are Caribou - in Europe these are Santa’s Reindeer, and who wants to see them going into extinction or living out diminished lives in sanctuaries and zoos.
#conservation #caribou #quebec #wildlife #birdbaths #gardens
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Focussing on one of those vulnerable species that we won’t find on a local walk. A particularly iconic and highly vulnerable example, here in Canada, are Caribou - in Europe these are Santa’s Reindeer, and who wants to see them going into extinction or living out diminished lives in sanctuaries and zoos.
#conservation #caribou #quebec #wildlife #birdbaths #gardens
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Purple Mexican Petunias with a concrete fluted edged birdbath in the back.
#Flowers #gardens #BirdBaths #alt -
Purple Mexican Petunias with a concrete fluted edged birdbath in the back.
#Flowers #gardens #BirdBaths #alt -
Adrian Thomas takes you around his garden and talks about all the things he does to help wildlife. These are things you can do whatever the size of garden that you've got, and it’s great for all the family.
How To Make a Wildlife Friendly Garden -
It's very cold and frosty in the garden this morning, creating some icy beauty! Stay warm everybody! On a personal note, our central heating system, which broke down this time last year, has just been replaced with a boiler, which sprang into life on the coldest day of the year so far!
#Photography #Frost #FrostyWeather #Roses #Birdbaths #StayWarm
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It's very cold and frosty in the garden this morning, creating some icy beauty! Stay warm everybody! On a personal note, our central heating system, which broke down this time last year, has just been replaced with a boiler, which sprang into life on the coldest day of the year so far!
#Photography #Frost #FrostyWeather #Roses #Birdbaths #StayWarm