Bird Bath Maintenance a Must Late Summer
Calling all ornithologists, birdwatchers, and twitchers! Having a birdbath in your backyard is a surefire way to attract more birds as all birds need a clean water source. But, a dirty birdbath can do more harm than good. Stagnant, contaminated water can harbour unhealthy concentrations of bacteria from feces or shed feathers that cause avian diseases. And, with more birds crowding your bath during migration, there’s a higher chance of viruses being spread.
But, that’s not all. Don’t forget about mosquitos. Those pesky critters can be really bad in the fall. Female mosquitoes look for stagnant water to lay their eggs and a neglected birdbath can quickly become the ideal breeding zone.
No need to fuss! Keeping your birdbath clean and fresh is easy. Simply scrub and rinse with 9 parts water to 1 part vinegar. The experts recommend we skip synthetic soaps and cleansers, as they can strip essential oils off of bird feathers.
Looking to unleash your inner birder and connect with the natural world? Check out birdscanada.org and share your sightings, discover birds in your area and learn more about bird conservation. https://mollymaid.ca/cleaning-tips/4-solutions-for-tidy-flower-beds/
PRO-TIP:
Place your birdbath in a shady spot but not directly under trees, shrubs or feeders. Falling debris and seeds will only dirty the water more quickly. Install a solar-powered fountain feature to keep mosquitos away! And, most importantly, refresh the water regularly!
Photo by Mark Timberlake on unsplash
