Wintering species like this Red-breasted Nuthatch are attracted to fresh water sources that are especially welcomed when other water sources freeze. The Allied Precision Heated Bird Bath with a metal stand from BestNest. The All Seasons Heated Bird Bath from Duncraft.

The simple act of providing fresh water for birds in your yard – or anywhere – will attract the greatest variety of birds for you to enjoy during any season. As fall temperatures dip periodically birders in the northern latitudes are reminded that it’s time to think about how we will keep ice-free fresh water for birds at our bird baths and other water features. Actually, it’s pretty simple, there are a number of options, and it’s an important part of providing a top-notch feeding station for fall and winter birds.

Electric Heated Bird Baths – In more northern latitudes, in order to provide ice-free water for birds during winter it’s necessary to use an electric heater. The solar water heaters on the market just aren’t meant for northern winter conditions. There are the inherent safety factors any time electricity, water, and weather are combined, but there are some safety features to utilize including safety cord connectors (described below). Keep in mind that electrically heated bird baths can be used through all four seasons – just unplug the electric cord during ice-free months.

Duncraft’s Heated Bird Baths – Duncraft is one of two birding equipment companies that offer a nice variety of electrically heated bird baths. Choose from pedestal, deck-mounted, and ground bird baths at https://www.duncraft.com/index/page/category/category_id/236/category_chain/1071,236/name/Heated+Baths+%26+Heaters/?view_all

BestNest’s Heated Bird Baths – BestNest also offers a fine collection of heated bird baths, as well as heaters for an existing bird bath you may prefer utilize. Some of these bird baths offer longer electric cords and safety connectors to protect cord connections from water, weather, and other outdoor concerns; see https://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/heated_bird_baths.asp

Safe Electric Connectors – To ensure your outdoor electrical connections remain water-tight and safely linked using an Allied Precision Clickshield Cord Connector; see https://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/RTProduct.asp?SKU=API-28CSK

Solar Bird Bath Accessories – In the southern tier of states, many birders will be able to utilize solar-powered bird bath accessories that keep ice from forming during sunny not-too-cold days. Also, the solar heaters or wigglers can be used during fall and spring up north when temperatures temper. Duncraft offers 7 different solar-powered bird bath accessories that keep water moving and less apt to freeze. Plus the sound of moving water helps to attract new birds to your water feature; see https://www.duncraft.com/index/page/category/category_id/178/category_chain/1071,178/name/Solar+Powered+Bird+Baths/?view_all

And then there are the lucky birders who never have ice in their bird baths – imagine that! In that case you may want to keep a dripper or mini-fountain in mind to add to your bird bath – the sound of water can make a difference for new birds to find your water and feeding station when they pass through your neighborhood.

However you provide water through the fall and winter, your water feature will surely be the hit of the neighborhood for birds during cold-weather months. Enjoy the action, enjoy the birds, and appreciate that you may be providing the only ice-free water in the area that birds can rely upon. Keep up your commendable efforts for birds.

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