We’re passionate about birds and nature. That’s why we opened a Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.
4215 NW 16th Boulevard
Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone: (352) 381-1997
Fax: (352) 381-1995
Email: Send Message
Store Hours:
Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Newsflash! Birdbath activity is inversely proportional to rainfall totals. Birds use water very efficiently and require only a small amount in which to bathe. So, when frequent rainfall keeps natural water sources such as puddles, tree cavities, and ephemeral creeks wet, birds find water more easily and are less inclined to use your birdbaths.
However (newsflash #2), we are in a period of draught and so birdbath activity should be relatively high. If you haven't paid much mind to the condition of the water in your bath, then go scrub the basin and refill it with clean, fresh water. Ideally, every bird bath should have a feature such as a dripper or mister that causes the water to move. The sight and sound of a drip or a mist attracts the attention of birds to your bath. Besides, a drip or mist adds fresh water to the basin.
Since all birds need water, having a functional birdbath also broadens the appeal of your yard to birds that don't come to feeders. Many species of warbler such as Hooded or Prairie are never seen at feeders but are occasionally seen at baths, especially during migration.
If you are concerned about increasing the number of mosquitoes in your yard, then just make sure that you are cleaning the birdbath at least once each week. There is no species of mosquito that can go from egg to adult any quicker than one week. If your mosquitoes are bad, then you probably need to clean your gutters.
