SOLAR POWERED BIRD BATHS

Here's an interesting little article for anyone considering installing a bird bath in their garden.

 

Solar Powered Bird Baths

By Anna Price

A bird bath is a lovely addition to a bird friendly garden and will
attract birds who use it for both drinking and bathing. Providing 
water is particularly important in the winter when natural sources 
may be frozen and on hot summer days birds will appreciate being 
able to cool down.

Birds are attracted to moving water so having a bird bath with a fountain will encourage them to return to your garden again and again. Use solar panels to circulate the water and not only are you being eco-friendly but there are no operating costs associated with it.

Another of the benefits of using solar panels rather than electricity to power the fountain is that you can be more flexible where you position your bath.

It is not recommended to use chemicals to thaw water as they can be harmful to birds and as solar powered bird baths often contain a heating element they will prevent the water from freezing in the winter.

The solar panels are either integrated in the bath or there is a separate panel that you place a short distance away. The solar panels soak up energy during the day and use it to pump the fountain or store it in a battery pack for later use.

If you choose a self-contained bath then you will need to place it in direct sunlight and you will have to check on the water regularly to make sure it has not evaporated. However if you choose a solar bath with separate panels then you can be more flexible and put the bird bath in shade as long as the panels are in direct sunlight.

Running water in a bird bath also helps with hygiene. In most types of bird bath the water can become stagnant and they can become breeding grounds for all sorts of bacteria and some insects. A dirty bath can spread disease and birds how use it may become ill.

Algae can still grow in a solar bath so you will need to clean it as you would any bird bath. Use a mild solution of bleach or disinfectant and rinse it thoroughly in clean water before letting birds use it again. You will also need to clean the solar panels and check them for damage and be aware that they may need replacing eventually.

Although a solar bird bath may be more expensive initially than a regular bath the moving water will encourage more birds to visit as well as making an attractive feature in your garden so it is an investment that is well worth making.

The author is a keen gardener and amateur bird watcher.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Price

Have a look at a selection of solar bird baths at  www.serenityhealth.com