September Green Tip of the Month

Providing Clean Water

It’s dry outside and f you’re like me, I’m so tired of watering my yard. But our birds, insects, and animals still need us to keep providing clean water sources. I have a shallow dish with rocks that I place near my lavender or pollinator plants, where I frequently see insects and bees drinking. Birds regularly visit my bird baths, which are placed in the shade to help reduce evaporation. I’m constantly adding water during the day and washing the baths regularly. Here are some tips to keep your bird baths and water supplies safe for wildlife:

Change the water often
Change the water ever 2-3 days to ensure that it stays fresh.
Clean the bowl regularly
Clean the bath at least once a week ( or more often if it looks slimy). When cleaning, make sure to avoid harsh soaps or chemicals, as residues can be harm to birds and insects.
Choose the right location
Place the bath in partial shade to keep the water cooler and reduce algae growth. Additionally, don’t put it near a feeder station to prevent seeds and droppings fouling the water.
Add moving water
You can add a solar powered bubbler to keep the water moving, which allows it to stay fresh and attract more birds. Movement in water also discourages mosquitos from laying eggs.
Stay consistent
Birds quickly learn where clean water is available. Keeping it fresh makes your yard a reliable stop for them and other wildlife!

Secondly, please mark your calendar for Saturday, November 1st, because it is a monthly Marymoor event, and Eastside Audubon will feature a variety of native plants and trees to plant, so we will need all hands-on deck. What a great opportunity to care for our planet and work with other like-minded folks in the name of birds.

I support your hard work and dedication as we are in this together.

Best,
Jeannine Sielinski