Water, for the bird garden.
Part 3. Naturescape garden.
Let us start with a simple bird bath set into the ground, which is the most appealing for most birds. Make sure that there is no cover nearby that a cat or Red Fox can hide behind. At the same time, create a safe retreat close by, at least 3 feet away. I provide a brush-wood pile. Most birds are attracted to open water, even birds not attracted to the feeders. I do not like heated baths as they are unnecessary; birds will eat snow.
You may like to follow my method of construction. First, obtain a hand broom, which is used to shape the bowl, and then to clean it. From a 2×3-inch timber, create a frame about 18 x 24 inches in shape. Dig a hole 6 to 9 inches deep, and arrange the frame 2 inches above the substrate. Fill in with ready-mix concrete, then shape a bowl 3 inches deep with the hand broom, sloping the sides. Maintenance. Use the hand broom to clean out the old water and add fresh water. This will create a healthy drinking and bathing site and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Arrange a stone and rock surround. This simple arrangement has lasted 25 years.
The best way to present water to all wildlife in your naturescape garden is to create a water garden. An even better option is incorporating a creek with running water flowing into the pond and marsh area. Birds, in particular, enjoy drinking and bathing in running water, so this addition will significantly enhance your garden. Remember that this is a significant project to undertake, so I plan to dedicate an entire section to its construction shortly.
You may like to visit Part 4. Shelter.
