Live & Grow Issue 49

A Station
For Bird
Hydration
New Zealanders are well-versed in planning and
planting bird-friendly gardens. But how many
of us remember to include hydration in our
planning? Do we generally consider where birds
will drink and bathe?
We know native birds require flowering, fruiting,
and seeding trees and shrubs. So, we plant
coprosma, corokia and kowhai, leave leaf litter,
build bug hotels for the insect-loving silvereye and
fantail, and provide nectar-rich flax and cabbage
trees for the bellbird and tūī. Often, however, bird
baths and drinking stations are an afterthought.
It can be a long flight between clean and reliable
water supplies, particularly in urban areas. A bird
bath doesn’t just support hot and stressed birds
during hot or dry spells; they need to groom their
feathers daily, so you can expect visitors during
cold weather too. Some people have even noticed
birds trying to crack through winter ice in their
bird baths to access water!
The two words to remember when locating a bird
bath are ‘natural’ and ‘safe’.
The best bath mimics nature: shallow and with
plenty of space to rest and recover. Stones or
rocks in the centre of the bath provide perching
spots for small birds while they bathe. These birds
will naturally seek refuge if they are disturbed. So,
place baths near shrubs to give them an escape
route when needed.
Ensure the bath is made from heavy material so
it won’t tip over. It should also be positioned high
off the ground, safe from predators such as cats,
ferrets, and stoats.
Like all dining and drinking establishments, your
bath should also be regularly cleaned with warm
soapy water. As dirty baths can spread disease
and infection, a bird bath should be cleaned with a
dedicated brush. Top it up every two to three days
with fresh, clean water.
The Topflite Splash & Feed is a popular bird bath
due to its versatility. The heavy ceramic dish can
be filled with fresh water for dipping and drinking,
or seeds and fruit for feasting. Some bird lovers
will buy two – each serving a different purpose
for their high-flying friends.
Birds will appreciate a hanging water feeder with
wide-open dishes as a hydration option. You can
keep them happily winging it through winter by
providing a consistent source of energising sugar
water.
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