BIRD BATHS

Although many birds can be seen splashing around in a bird bath or a puddle, the most important aspect of a bird bath is it provides the birds with a ready and safe source of clean drinking water. Most birds groom themselves using a oil secreted from a gland by their tail, running the oil through every feather. Some also use ants to pick off mites and dander. However, providing fresh water for drinking and sometimes "cooling off" and in the form of a safe bird bath is an important year round responsibility for any serious back yard birder. Bird baths have also long been a traditional decorative item for the back yard and one that complements the placement of feeders.