6 November 2020

If you don’t have a bird bath or other source of water, now is a great time to get one. The wildlife visiting our gardens need water, especially through the winter when natural sources such as streams and ponds may be frozen. Birds lose water through respiration and in their droppings, most small birds need to drink at least twice a day to replace the lost water. Most birds drink by dipping their bill in water and throwing their head back to swallow, whilst pigeons and doves are able to immerse their beaks and can drink continuously, either way it is great fun to watch. It is important if you do decide to provide a source of water through the winter, to make sure it stays defrosted, you could just pop out after your morning cuppa and poor on some boiling water. Water for wildlife is our fifth pledge for wildlife, see them all here.