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The Unintentional Bird Bath
Last winter a water problem was discovered in the crawlspace. Ground water was coming up pretty high and slowly rotting out the support beams. First thought to be a lack of ventilation – but it turns out this had been a longstanding problem.
Over the summer a sump pit was dug, a pump and float switch added, and drain hose was run outside, across the side yard. A simple outlet was created with gravel. It pumped all winter long, even during snowy weather, and is pumping right now. The water pools around the gravel and ultimately sinks into the ground.
Flocks of resident birds gathered there all winter, particularly during really cold weather. While this is near the bird feeders, there were many birds (like robins) who don’t typically use them. Every time the pump ran, birds would swoop down and take a dip, or drink, and otherwise frolic in the temporary pond. Leaning towards burying a bird bath or some kind of large shallow form near there for summer so the water will be able to pool longer.
This is clean, filtered ground water, it flows so it doesn’t freeze, and will be cooler in summer months. The best thing… it’s going to good use for the birds!
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New Years Note for One of Our Bird Baths Ends 2013 Nicely
On the last day of 2013 it was nice to receive this note via snail mail. It was a thank you which stemmed from a resident’s simple request for a birdbath to attract some birds at the nursing home. We sent along one of the hanging bird baths, a couple of suet cakes with cages, and some easy suet recipes in hopes the kitchen staff might humor the residents – and help feed the birds on a tiny budget!
A post was published hoping some other birding businesses might catch wind of the simple request. A couple of benches would’ve been really nice for the folks to sit outside and enjoy the birds, but that was beyond our realm. It was just good to give, expecting nothing in return, and we managed a good bit of that for 2013, and will continue to do so in the new year!
Yes, 2013 had its ups and downs, from Fiscal Cliffs and natural disasters, to super storms, a never-ending winter, and government shut-downs. The Monarch migration was a bust, and bats and bees continue to perish at alarming rates. That last part may not sound very important… but just ask a farmer who grows crops. Without these pollinators the future could be grim.
So, Welcome 2014!
May winter be swift, for early nest starts and spring bulbs forcing through, for a safe and timely return of hummingbirds and all migratory birds, for a new awareness and stewardship of the nature around us, and for many happy & healthy fledges for all our feathered friends!Oh yeah.. and here’s that nice note 🙂
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Groovy Aged Copper Free-form Birdbath & Planter
Shape… it’s all about cool designs and what you can do with them!
This aged copper free-form bowl is quite unique with its asymmetrical and flowing shape. A graceful form that imitates nature, it was just one of those “gotta have its”.
Originally we set it up as a bird bath and added some blue and green sea glass for a nice contrast with the flamed copper interior. The chunky pieces also help trap sediments at the bath’s bottom, and provide safer footing for birds.
Recalling at the Atlanta show, the bowl was actually shown as a planter, so we billed it birdbath & planter. It was displayed with succulents and sheet moss, but almost any plants work. A bit of Spanish moss lends itself nicely to the design as well.
Oh yeah, and check the copper birdhouse to round out the set. Functional art for the garden, this birdbath & planter makes for a most unusual focal point. The bird home also provides a great roosting spot during the off season.
And since October is already here, be sure to clean out all old nests in your birdhouses at home. Easiest way is using a plastic grocery bag (make sure there’s no holes), reach in and grab the nest, turn the bag inside-out so you never touch the nest. Discard in the trash, away from the birdhouse as the nest will draw predators.
These shelters may be used by other birds for roosting as colder weather approaches. And by all means, don’t give up on your birdbath either when temperatures drop. Birds require fresh water especially in winter-when many of their natural sources tend to freeze. Consider adding a heater to your bath and watch feathered friends flock to your yard, even on the dreariest of winter days!