We are entering the drought season of hot dry, weather, and sporadic rain. During dry weather, everybody worries about lawns and shrubs, but I worry about the birds. Birds require water as much as food. That’s why we keep several sources of water in our yard and the birds are thankful.
Interestingly, birds lack sweat glands, so they need less water than mammals, but they lose water through respiration and in their droppings. Most small birds need to drink water at least twice a day to replace what they lose.
Birds get the liquid they need from their food and by drinking. Many insectivorous birds get most of their water from food. Seed-eating birds have a dry diet and they do need to drink more.
Water is freely available to small birds at the shallow edges of ponds and streams. They may also drink water droplets that form on leaves, especially if they live in woodland. Aerial species such as swallows and swifts swoop down onto a water body and scoop up a beak-full of water while still in flight.
Almost any water body, whatever its size, will have wildlife value, even if only as a drinking place for birds.
Water to bathe in is just as important for birds, winter, and summer. It is essential that they keep their feathers in good condition. Bathing is an important part of feather maintenance. Dampening the feathers loosens the dirt and makes their feathers easier to preen.
When preening, birds carefully rearrange the feathers and spread oil from the preen gland so they remain waterproof and trap an insulating layer of air underneath to keep them warm.
Maintaining a bird bath and keeping it clean helps to prevent birds catching diseases.
You should clean your birdbath regularly and change the water. A layer of algae, dead leaves or bird droppings will soon build up, so give the bath a thorough clean every week or so. Scrub the sides and bottom to remove algae and other dirt.
I speak for the birds. Save them a little water and put it out somewhere in your yard. They will appreciate it and add beauty to your back yard.