How To Keep Birds Safe While They Visit Your Yard

Like many others, I enjoy watching a variety of birds regularly visit our yard to eat from the birdfeeder and enjoy the water in the birdbath. However, having that pleasure comes with a significant amount of responsibility. So, before I hung my birdfeeder or setup the birdbath I did a lot of research to make sure I would assist these beautiful animals and never, in any way, hurt them or shorten their lives. There are definitely some important things to know about keeping birds safe when you invite them into your yard. First, provide consistently fresh, clean food and water. Next, offer a safe haven nearby for them to retreat to quickly should they need to.

The risks of bad food, contaminated water, and enemies

1. Clean Your Bird feeder Regularly

green, dirty, metal piece of bird feeder — One very dirty part of a multi-part feeder

old birdseed stuck in metal parts of feeder — Our dismantled bird feeder in serious need of cleaning

dissembled, bird feeder, after cleaning — All freshly cleaned parts of the bird feeder

cleaned bird feeder, reassembled and hung from tree branch — Very clean bird feeder

I know this sounds laborious, especially if the feeder has multiple parts that must be disassembled before cleaning. But, once you’ve done it a few times, trust me, it gets easier and faster.

2. Rake and Collect Old Material That Accumulates Under The Bird feeder

plastic snow sled is filled with old much, leaves and left over bird seed shells — Cleaning up bird seed shells, contaminated mulch and fall leaves under the bird feeder

closeup photo of leftover pieces of birdseed shells and pine straw — A close look at bird seed leftovers

Regularly rake up all remnants of leftover sunflower shells, tree nuts, peanut shells, etc. beneath the bird feeder. This old material is rotting and may have also been contaminated by animals in the area.

Scrub Your Birdbath Often

Birdbath show sign of green algae, 3 rocks are present — Algae as well as bird droppings are starting to appear

scrub brush in birdbath during cleaning — Discard old water, leaves, and droppings then scrub rocks and birdbath well

Empty birdbath after cleaning, no algae is present — No signs of algae is a good sign!

clean birdbath filled with water, also shows brush and bottle of cleaner — Refill birdbath with fresh water and add clean rocks

Whenever you notice colored growth appearing on the inside of the birdbath, it’s time for a good cleaning. Scrub all exposed surfaces, including the rocks, with hydrogen peroxide or another safe, effective method such as vinegar, baking soda, or a solution of water and bleach. Rinse thoroughly several times especially if you’re using bleach.

4. Locate Your Birdbath in a Safe Place

Its important to place the birdbath so birds can easily escape into a tree or dense shrub in case a predator gets too close. Don’t place the birdbath within 4 feet of open bushes or tall grass. Also, raising the birdbath a few additional inches by using a platform can provide additional safety for birds from predators.

Place your birdbath in shade to partial shade for cooler and fresher water. Do not place in direct sun or where a lot of leaves will fall into the water.

5. Consider Convenience In Order To Provide The Best Care

Keep in mind when you’re selecting a location for your birdbath. A source of running water nearby will make it easier for you to provide safe, clean water for all visiting feathered friends.

Finally, looking out for the birds in our surroundings is a commitment. Make sure you can dedicate the time and resources necessary to provide safe, healthy support. If you do, you will be rewarded with the beauty of the more commonly seen flying friends as well as the occasional, unique visitors that will keep you standing at your window much longer than you ever thought you would!

Come back soon to see one more bird-centric project. We’re building a new, solid base for the birdbath in a safe area of our woodland garden. The birds will love it!