A Drop to Drink

In the wild, birds drink and bathe in water droplets among leafy branches. To simulate this in your yard, you need a shallow, flat receptacle with a dry edge or "beach" around the perimeter and a gradual slope to a depth of two or three inches in the center. The bath needs a rough bottom for safe footholds. An upside-down garbage can lid is a simple and inexpensive birdbath.

It should be located in a shady, protected spot about 15 feet from the protective cover of shrubbery, and mounted three feet off the ground. The water supply should be both predictable and clean. The sound of running water is irresistible to birds, so you might consider a thin jet or mist of water that shoots vertically into an overhanging tree and then drips back into the bath. If you decide to mist, time the mister in order to conserve water and energy. Birds are most active between sunrise and 10 A.M. and again in the later afternoon and early evening.

Change the water regularly and at least every three days to deter mosquito infestation. If you want to attract wildlife and you have outdoor cats, consider bringing them indoors or reconsider using water to attract birds--you may be creating an ecological trap.