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During a summer heat wave, birds can struggle to find enough clean water to drink and cool themselves. If you already fill a bird feeder, there’s one more simple thing experts say you should do: put out a shallow dish of fresh water. It only takes a few minutes, but it can help birds stay hydrated while bringing even more feathered visitors to your yard.
Why Put Out a Birdbath
As summer temperatures continue to soar, birds are on the hunt for drinking spots as much as their next meal. “Birds need water for drinking, bathing, and cooling down in the summer, just as humans and other mammals do,” says Elise Howard, gardening expert and author of Plant This, Not That: Over 200 Native Plant Swaps for a More Sustainable, Pollinator-Friendly Garden.
During prolonged heat, natural puddles and shallow streams can dry up, leaving birds with fewer places to drink and bathe. Small birds are especially vulnerable because they lose water quickly in high temperatures.
By setting up a place in your yard where birds can hydrate, you’re not only supporting winged visitors, you’re giving them a reason to come back. “Most birds live and forage in small areas, so if you’re encouraging them to visit and live in your garden by providing habitat and food in the form of nectar, leaves, seeds, and insects, you’ll want to make sure you provide water, too,” Howard says.
Where to Put a Birdbath
Ground-level birdbaths are popular with many species, while elevated baths can offer better protection from cats and other ground predators. Whether you choose a pedestal birdbath or a shallow dish on the ground, place it about 5 to 10 feet from a tree or shrub so birds have a nearby place to perch and a quick escape if they sense danger. In the heat of summer, it’s also a good idea to position the bath in partial shade to help keep the water cooler and slow algae growth.
You Don’t Need to Spend a Lot of Money
You don’t need to buy an expensive birdbath. You likely have vessels, like plastic or terra-cotta lids from garden containers or an old shallow serving bowl, around the house that will work just as well. “In my garden, I collect the condensation from my heat pump in small ceramic dishes that are cleaned every couple of days,” Howard says. “I've also added a birdbath at ground level, which many birds prefer, with a solar-powered pump to keep the water circulating and fresh.”
Cleaning Is Important
Standing water can attract mildew, and any vessel that’s placed outdoors will collect dirt, leaves, and other debris. Replace the water every day—or twice daily during extreme heat—and scrub the container every few days to help prevent algae and mosquito larvae from developing.
Once you’ve found the perfect location for your bath, within a day or two, don’t be surprised if cardinals, finches, chickadees, robins, and other backyard birds start stopping by for a drink or bath. It’s one of the easiest ways to support local wildlife—and it gives you a front-row seat to watch them up close.
