ED Birds need water!

[von]

I would just like to ask everyone who has a garden or some outside space if you would consider putting a bird bath out for our feathered friends! In these city areas they really need it, and you will probably be surprised by how many birds will use it. You don't need to spend more than a couple of quid, any wide shallow dish would do the trick, a large plant pot base is fine. Keep it filled summer and winter, sit back and enjoy the free entertainment.

[Laur]

Nice post von, I agree.

[Peckhampam]

Problem is that the entertainment would include my cat pouncing on the birds. Can't take the chance

[nxjen]

Peckhampam Wrote:

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> Problem is that the entertainment would include my

> cat pouncing on the birds. Can't take the chance

I was thinking the same thing

[The Minkey]

If you do put something down, place it well clear of any cover cats may use to pounce from. I use a large textured plastic plant pot saucer & change the water every day to reduce the risk of transmitting disease but also because the fox likes to crap in it from time to time..

RSPB advice http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/water/birdbaths.aspx

It's a delight to see birds bathing :-)

[uncleglen]

A friend who was house sitting and looking after a cat told me that the cat brings a dead bird in EVERY day. It eats most of the birds many of which have charcoal grey feathers. This is 365 birds a year just from one cat!

[minder]

I fill mine with fresh water 4/5 times a day as have so many birds having a bath and they drink from it, especially the magpies who like to soften their food first. Sparrows and blackbirds love it.

Luckily my cats are not too bothered with catching birds as they're in most of the day, lazing around.

Night-time is a different story and I've had a mouse put down at my feet just the other night!

[spark67]

We have a tall stone bird pedestal we bought at croxted road garden centre years ago. As it's high the birds see our cats well before they get close enough to do any damage..the wood pigeons seem to enjoy teasing them. Luckily none of our three cats are killers, just lazy watchers

[Sue]

The Minkey Wrote:

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> It's a delight to see birds bathing :-)

xxxxxxxx

Yes, and also to see them fluffing up their wet feathers afterwards :)