A wet bird is a slow bird.All of my baths are within 15 feet of a tree or other protection.If you plant anything around your bath, make sure it is a low growing plant.Cats will hide in your garden and pounce on your unsuspecting birds if givin the chance to do so.Danger also comes from the sky, but birds will be looking for hawksAlso, place your source of water where you can enjoy the action. Place it where it is easy for you to keep clean and filled.I can't number the times I've seen an empty or filthy birdbath that is totallyignored because it is located as a piece of yard art, not as a birdbath.KEEP IT CLEANWell, you've got your birdbaths or other sources of water.Now how do you keep it clean?This isn't rocket science, yet many people neglect this task.Maintaining is more efficient then having to do a total scrub all the time.Yes, it's true a good cleaning is needed and you will know when it's needed.Here are a couple of things that I have found that work for me.Near dusk, if my bath needs filling, I will refill with fresh water and put a capor two of chlorine bleach into the water.This keeps germs and algae down between cleanings and the chlorine will have oxidized by morning.My favorite stuff is the oxygen bleach products.I use this on a lot of things.I was reminded by a dear friend that this stuff foams up some.My apologies for not making that all too clear.I can use my Oxi-Boost any time of day and feel safe.It sanitizes and kills algae, even when my birds take a sip.They don't mind a little foaming action.I sprinkle in just enough around the edges and a bit in the middle and let it go to work. Experiment on this one until you find what works for you.I would guess a table spoon full.I like this stuff because it is all natural, environment friendly, won't stain my clothes or if spilled, kill my plants.The only drawback is it leaves a white residue when water evaporates.I can live with that, however.Every now and then, a good scrubbing is needed.Especially on baths that have grooves and patterns.Even worse to clean, are the ones with stone embedded.If using chlorine or another harsh cleaner, place your bowl on a neutral surface like a driveway.Let it soak for several minutes and then scrub.Rinse and re-rinse.Oxygen bleach can be done right where it stands without a problem.I appreciate all the questions and inquirers.Keep them coming and I will do my best to help out.Whew.............. I'm pooped.I hope this has been some help for you.Hey............. until next time my friend.Have a blessed week and I look forward to chatting with you all.Remember to SMILE.RonRonald Patterson, has been caring and feeding wildbirds in his backyard for more then 40 years. Ron and his wife Karen also owned and operated a wild bird specialty store for many years.With his gardening skills and knowledge as a Michigan Certified Nurseryman, Ron publishes a weekly newsletter called Backyard Birding Tips.
