My birds are so busy at the feeders put up for them, with lots of activity and noise. The blue-tits are already exploring possible nest sites, excavating hollows and popping in and out of holes. This morning there was a queue at the birdbath and impatient squabbling as birds waited on the rim, or on nearby branches.
It has been a hard time for birds, and during the freeze I defrosted and filled the birdbath a number of times each day. The birds were very appreciative, and amazed me by constantly using the birdbath despite the minus temperatures, maintaining feather condition and waterproofing, which they did with frantic preening after the plunge.
When I started working in stone, one of the first things I made was a birdbath, and they are always a pleasure to carve, knowing that birds will come to drink and splosh.
I make the birdbaths in various sizes and styles, between 1" and 4" deep, with sloping sides, shallow at the edge and deepest at the centre. The tool used for hollowing out the bowl leaves wonderful grooved marks, perfect to prevent little bird feet from slipping.
The heavenly bit is that I get to watch them splashing, flapping and sprucing.
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Love the birdbaths. I like the one on the ground but it would make it too easy for the cat. I have two set up in my yard.
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