A new hidden danger could endanger local wildlife and it’s up to us gardeners to ensure the risk is not exacerbated by leftover debris
As we finally enter spring and revitalise our gardeners after a long and tiresome winter, gardeners are urged to check in on their bird bathers in case of hidden dangers. Bird baths are extremely beneficial because they provide birds with a crucial source of water for drinking and bathing.
Bird baths are also a great way to enjoy bird watching from your backyard while providing a multitude of benefits for local bird colonies. However, they can often quickly build up with debris, posing a serious threat to local birds.
It’s essential for birds to frequently bathe to remove dirt, dust, and parasites from their feathers, which is crucial for flight, insulation, and waterproofing. Additionally, bird baths can also help wildlife cool down during the hotter months and improve their overall social behaviour.
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Garden specialist Dawn Ridgewell has partnered with Construction Certification to reveal the hidden dangers of not regularly monitoring your bird bath. Even tiny items like twigs, pebbles, or gravel can pose a choking risk to birds. She urges gardeners to check theirs immediately “before it is too late”.
While they might seem harmless, birds can easily mistake them for food or ingest them accidentally while drinking or bathing. Ridgewell explains: “It’s something most people don’t think about, but even a small twig can be enough to block a bird’s airway.”
Therefore, gardeners are warned to add this simple task to their gardening rosters, which could help save a bird’s life. So next time, before refilling your bird bath, clear out any small debris.
This could include twigs, leaf fragments, loose stones, gravel, plastic, litter, and sharp or broken objects. Regularly performing this task could be the difference between life and death for small birds, particularly fledglings still learning their environment.
“If everyone took just a few seconds each day to check their bird bath,” says Ridgewell, “we could prevent countless injuries—and keep our gardens thriving with life.”
Bird baths offer relief and refreshment, but could become a hidden hazard without regular checks. Therefore, try to rinse the bowl daily to avoid creating a disease-ridden environment, and be sure to steer clear of any water sources when using harsh chemicals in the garden.
Additionally, removing algae buildup with a soft brush is essential to maintain a clean and safe water source. So, as you start preparing your garden before summer, remember to check your bird bath, as it might be the difference between saving a bird’s life.
