Winter Bird Water

Blue Onion

I just got a heated dog bowl for my birthday, for my birds!  I've never offered winter water because the cost of heated bird baths were unaffordable.  But I saw using the dog bowl as an alternative when I researched it this fall.  This summer I set up our kids old paddle pool as a large bird bath, which attracted birds large and fall.  To get them to 'notice' the water I had a gallon jug of water with a hole dripping from the tree branch above.  But I'm not sure how to get them to find this water.. it's in a different place because of the cord.. and it is completely different in ever way.  Obviously can't make a drip because it will quickly cause the bath to overflow.  Will the birds find it on their own?  

(I have it on the ladder because we get lots of snow).  

Dovefromabove

It looks a bit deep to me ... I’d bring the water surface up to the rim and put more gravel and stones in so that it’s only a couple of inches deep. 

I understand why it’s on the steps but I think the rail over the top may deter some birds ... it could impede them flying away quickly to safety if alarmed. Is there something else it could stand on? 

I would put it away from the house, near some shrubs or a hedge that they can perch in safely while they look at the bowl and weigh up the pros and cons of using it. 

Hope it works ... our birdbath is used by so many birds. 😊 

pansyface

When birds land and perch on a branch, they often do a poop. 😬

Blue Onion

Haha.. thanks.  I was thinking of it as a helpful perch.. but I can see why that might be an issue.  I'll get an outdoor extension cord and see what else I have for it to sit on.  I can make it closer to the rim as well.. good idea.

Blue Onion

Success!  Thanks for the great advice @Dovefromabove, as always.  Yesterday afternoon I moved it to the edge of the patio, added another rock, and made the water level deeper to bring it close to the rim.  And already I spotted a finch taking a drink.  When I get around to it I plan to raise it onto two cement blocks, as the snow is several feet deep most winters.  

Dovefromabove

Brilliant! 😊