Birds will travel great distances to find water. Besides drinking it, they use it for cleaning their feathers for optimal flight and for keeping them free from parasites. Here are a few tips for bringing nature to your backyard.

Start simple by placing a birdbath near a tree or bush. Trees will give the birds a sense of security from predators. Branches provide them a place to perch and preen after splashing in the water. Adding a bird feeder close by will increase the chance of birds seeing the birdbath as they visit your feeder.

Birds need fresh water all year. Change the water often and keep the birdbath clean. There are many products that you can purchase that will help you achieve this goal. Brushes are great for removing algae and slim. A mild bleach solution of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach can be used in cleaning a birdbath. However, make sure you rinse thoroughly after cleaning. You can purchase bird bath protector solutions that naturally keep your birdbath clean. Such solutions help prevent stains, sludge, mineral deposits and organic contaminants from building up in your birdbath. Plus, it is completely safe for wildlife.

Keep the water moving! Not only are birds attracted to the sound of running water, but it also is a breading ground for mosquitoes. Drippers keep a constant flow of fresh water for birds and helps prevent the spread of West Nile Virus by eliminating stagnant water. You can purchase a Water Wiggler that creates continuous ripples in water preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs. Misters are another great source of water. Birds love to fly through misters. Even hummingbirds enjoy a brief zip through a mister.

Winter can be a time of drought for our feathered friends. You can keep water from freezing by using an electric water heater especially for birdbaths. It will not harm the birds. The temperature of the water will stay just above freezing. Keep the water level above the heater so the coils are not exposed to dry air. Water is vital for birds, especially during the winter season. Birds will eat snow for a water source, but it is not as refreshing as a drink from a birdbath.

Providing water for birds is not limited to birdbaths. Small barrel ponds or larger ground ponds can be created. You can buy small water rafts to place in larger containers for birds to perch. Rafts float and provide just the right amount of water for the birds to frolic. Again, remember to keep the water moving. Fountains work well and will add a conversation piece to your backyard. Winterize your ponds with a pond heater and place the pump hose from the fountain in the bottom of the pond to increase water movement and prevent freezing.

Lastly, put a few rocks in your birdbath. It will give the birds something to perch on and feel safe while they take a bath. Birds cannot judge the depth of water.  http://www.townandcountrybirds.com