The Importance of Water Over Winter
According to the RSPB, many people put out food for birds, but fewer provide a regular supply of clean water. Hydration is absolutely essential for any living animal; for birds over the winter months it is more so for the fact that natural supplies may be frozen.
“It is a fact that most small birds must drink at least twice per day to replenish lost water.”
Why is water so important?
You may or may not know this, but birds do not have sweat glands, so in principle they require less water than mammals due to their ability to retain more water. However, this isn’t to say birds don’t lose any water. Of course they do, and it is mainly through respiration and droppings.
Depending upon the specific dietary requirements of a bird, for instance one that eats mainly seeds, there may be a different level of rehydration needed. Despite this, most birds get the majority of their water from the food they eat, for instance grubs, caterpillars and earthworms.
Water, being as abundant as it is, can be taken from a variety of sources such as ponds, streams and even droplets that form on the end of leaves. In fact, this is particularly common among forest-dwelling birds.
Preventing water from freezing
Birds visiting gardens in search of alternative food supplies over winter may also be looking for a source of water. This you can provide by putting out a dish or, if you prefer, something more decorative like a bird bath. It is important to try to prevent water that gathers from freezing, as birds will not be able to easily access the supply.
A variety of solutions are available, the most cost-effective of which being the use of a ping pong ball, which moves around in the water as the wind blows, preventing the water from freezing. In extreme cases of cold weather, this method may not work, and in such a scenario it is advisable to use a safe ice-free solution such as that made by ecOpond.
Winter bathing
Bathing can help garden birds keep their feathers in good condition. This process of dampening helps to release any dirt which has accumulated and stuck to the feathers. Birds cleaning their feathers makes it easier for them to preen, which is critical for a bird to do as it helps to rearrange feathers in order to make them waterproof. Take a look at our wide and wonderful range of bird baths.
The Serenity Bird Bath is a beautiful and decorative piece for any garden. Boasting ornate detailing and an eye-catching colour, your feathered friends won’t be able to resist this bird oasis.
Top wild bird winter products
This eco-friendly product is formulated from plant extracts to suppress the freezing point of water in bird baths and other small garden water features, and is completely harmless for birds to drink and bathe in.
I thank you for your advice, I feed around 80 sparrows, 300 starlings, 12 pigions, several crows and magpies plus a few other varieties of small birds daily here by the sea in Kent. I have to be honest I did not realise the importance of fresh water. I do have a canal close to me. Thanks for advice as I love my birds.