Birdbaths a big hit

[Diane Baker]

I have two birdbaths in my backyard which I clean out and refresh every day. The birds used to stay away for hours after I cleaned them but now I can hardly get back in the house before they are bathing and drinking away. It is so peaceful and relaxing to look out my windows and see birds (sometimes 3 at a time) bathing and sitting on them sunning themselves. My bug population has diminished noticeably (thank goodness) thanks to my feathered friends. So far I've seen brown thrushes, robins, blue jays, blue birds, black birds, woodpeckers, and squirrels making use of the bird baths.

[Carol Buie-Jackson]

This time of year, those bird baths can be lifesavers to all sorts of wildlife. As the temps soar, the birds and other wildlife are especially dependent on water. Offering water in a variety of ways ensures that everybody gets what they need. I have 5-6 different water features in my backyard, from a small garden pond, to birdbaths in a variety of shapes and depths and even a mister in the tree (watch the "mister" video if you haven't seen it yet). Attracting wildlife to your backyard is a great way to keep yourself entertained without getting in your car!

[Diane Baker]

I agree. It is so relaxing to watch my feathered friends eating a drinking away off and on throughout the day. I saw a new friend today - a bright yellow bird with black trimmed feathers. Maybe some sort of finch? I'll have to watch the "mister" video when I get a chance. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Carol Buie-Jackson]

That's a goldfinch and you will see them in the mister video. They love the mister. They also love black eyed susan if you have space to plant some.

[Debbie Foster]

Hi, Diane. Think about adding a dripper or mister as part of your water feature. The birds love it!

Debbie

[Diane Baker]

Definitely something to consider... Especially if my feathered friends will go for it.

I planted two morning glory vines next to my shepherd hooks in the back yard a couple of months ago and the vines grew right up the hooks like I wanted. Now the birds just love to nestle in all those flowers and look for bugs. Such a beautiful site.

[Debbie Foster]

I love morning glories, but I have to warn you. They are QUITE invasive. You will have to be very vigilant or they will pop up all over your yard and choke out other things. I planted one in a pot last year, but it sure didn't stay there. I bet I've pulled up 100 so far this year, some a long way from where the pot was last year!

[Diane Baker]

After I planted them (they were a gift from my mother-in-law) I was warned by a friend about their invasive nature. I'll be on the lookout to be sure they don't take over - thanks.