A Guaranteed Way to Increase Your Backyard Bird Activity

What's a sure way to attract birds to your feeders? Offer water,
especially in winter! About 70% of a bird's non-fat body tissue is
water that needs to be maintained to avoid dehydration. Birds find some
water in natural food sources like insects, berries, and even snow -
but when those supplies dwindle, the water you supply is even more
vital!

Open water in freezing weather will attract as many or more birds as a
well-stocked feeder! Birds use it to help keep themselves warmer in
winter! By providing them with a heated bird bath they are able to
clean and groom their feathers, allowing them to apply natural oils
from special glands which help our feathered friends insulate their
bodies from cold.

You can keep water thawed with a submersible heater placed directly in
the water, or by using an internally heated bird bath . It's
economical and safe as long as you use a high-quality, outdoor
extension cord to plug the heater into an electrical source. Remember
ceramic and concrete bird baths, while fine for summer use, will
actually crack easily in frigid weather.

As firm believers in providing water year round, we stock birdbath
heaters and heated bird baths and they are priced right! The quality
of the heater is usually reflected in the cost. Less expensive heaters
work in moderate weather in smaller baths, but as you go up the line
you can purchase heaters with thermostats, auto shut-offs, and longer
guarantees. The more expensive heater usually has more wattage and
works at lower temperatures to keep the water thawed.

John Patrick,
www.birdoasis.com