February can be very harsh for birds in your backyard. Although birds need water every single day, natural water sources will freeze, and they will not be able to find any liquid water. An easy-to-make warm (not hot) birdbath can help birds out during the brutal winter months.
Bring Hummingbirds Right To Your Window!
Check PriceWhy Is Water So Important To Backyard Birds In Late Winter
Save this article for later so you don't lose it. Enter your email and I'll send it to you now—plus you'll get my favorite backyard birding tips delivered to your inbox.
Water becomes as crucial as food when temperatures drop in February because birds need it for drinking and for feather maintenance. Winter can cause severe dehydration for small-bodied birds like chickadees and finches with fast metabolisms as dehydration happens quickly. Water is also critical for birds to keep their feathers clean and properly aligned as this impacts their insulation and ability to stay warm.
Backyard birdbaths hold great value for birds in winter. Birds are restricted in their access to open water sources (in the form of ponds and streams) that are frozen over at this time of year. Snow can be used to melt water, but the energy spent to do this is greater than the energy the birds can gain from remaining active. Therefore, your backyard is a vital resource. Maintaining an unfrozen birdbath will attract jays, titmice, cardinals, and even rarer birds such as cedar waxwings to your yard birdbath.
February is the end of some birds' winter migration and the beginning of spring migration. They become much more active and seek hydration, due to the beginning of nesting season and pairing behavior. A good water source will be highly visited.
Safe Temperature Range for Birds: Warm vs. Hot
Warm water during February means water that won't freeze right away. It doesn't mean steaming or even what we're calling hot to touch. Think lukewarm- comfortable enough that you could hold your hand in it without discomfort. That is the sweet spot.
Birds can really hurt their legs and feet in hot water. Scalding water can cause thermal shock. A bird that steps in hot water can panic and hurt itself trying to escape. This can also damage the natural oils in its feathers that provide insulation and waterproofing. Birds' bodies are small and sensitive to sudden temperature changes, which is another reason why hot water is a risk.
Always do a quick hand test before setting out any water. Put your hand in and leave it there for a few seconds. If it is warm but doesn't feel uncomfortable, you have a good range. If you pulled your hand back, it is too hot. You want to prevent the water from freezing, but do not want to make hot tub water. A water temperature between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect for the February conditions.
Get our free Hummingbird Attraction Guide! Plus, we'll send you our best tips for attracting more birds to your yard.
Another positive aspect to consider is that warm water will cool quickly in freezing outdoor temperatures. This means that you are providing safe, easily accessible hydrating water without creating an area that is hazardous and lingers.
Ways to Make Sure Your Birds Water is Warm in February
You can make water accessible all winter without having to buy any extra tools. Just make sure to refill the water every day with lukewarm water from the sink. If you are going to be home that day, you can make the water sitable by swapping out frozen water two or three times. This will be great to see your birds, and this method will be great for retirees and people who have flexible schedules.
If you would like less maintenance, look for a heated birdbath or an immersion style de-icer. These are made for outdoor use and will keep the water at a safe temperature where it won’t freeze, as well as not overheating. Make sure to look for models with thermostats to keep the water from getting too warm. These use very little electricity, usually less than a night light, and can run all winter without any problems.
Placement is important. To help slow freezing, try to put your birdbath in sunlight. Be careful about placing your birdbath on frozen ground. A small pedestal or platform can keep the birdbath from freezing solid and improve airflow. If you have a basin that is level with the ground, you can place a few stones or a small stick inside to create a perch for birds and stop them from going into the water.
An option for insulating the base of your birdbath is to use straw or bubble wrap. However, this will only slow down heat loss and will not keep the water liquid by itself. Insulation along with warm water refills or a de-icer works best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (So You Assist Birds, Not Injure Them)
There are many ways a water source could turn into a hazard for birds, even if the intention was to help. The worst thing one can do is use boiling water. While it might seem effective for ice melting, as it will melt the ice, it can cause birdbaths made of ceramic to crack. Plastic birdbaths can be damaged in the same way. The steam from the water could potentially scare birds or even cause them harm. Use warm water from your tap instead.
Do not add antifreeze, glycerin, salt, or other chemicals to prevent freezing, as they are toxic to birds. Additionally, these additives can coat birds’ feathers, damaging the insulation they rely on. If the water freezes, replace it. Do not attempt to chemically alter it.
Remember to keep the water level shallow. Birds don't need a swimming pool; one to two inches of water is enough for drinking and light preening. Deeper water increases the chance of a bird getting soaked, which is very dangerous in freezing temps. If your birdbath is deeper, put in stones or a platform to help the birds stand without submerging themselves.
As always, your bird bath needs to be cleaned. With winter it can be even more important because warm water, especially in heated environments, can encourage bacteria growth. When cleaning, no soap or only a mild cleanser that is bird safe, and be sure to rinse to remove all leftover soap.
Lastly, remember to protect the birds from predators. Place the birdbath in an area that is open enough for the birds to see approaching cats or hawks, but close to some shrubs or trees that the birds can escape if they need to. Birdbaths that are surrounded by dense cover can become death traps.
Your kindness is keeping your backyard birds healthy and safe during especially tough months. It does not take a lot of your time, yet makes a significant difference to our thirsty winter birds, as every refill of the water will mute gratitude of a grateful thirsty cardinal in freezing February. Happy birding!
