Question:
Approximately two years ago, I put an immersion heater in the birdbath's water. By chance, one day in January, I happened to glance out the window just in time to see a bird drinking and then splashing around in the birdbath. I watched the bird splash around for a while, and when it decided to fly away, it suddenly dropped straight down into the snow. I saw it flutter a bit, then remain still. I ran out into the yard, scooped the bird up and gave it a toss in the air. It almost immediately dropped back down into the snow. I repeated this action, and this time the bird managed to fly to a tree branch, where it remained for a while.It wasn't long after that I read an article strongly discouraging the use of immersion heaters in birdbaths during the winter, especially when it's very cold, probably near 0 F. The article stated that many birds will splash around in the water, but when they start to fly they can't because they have ice on their wings. This leads to problems with flying that can even cause death.Si
J.D., Northfield, MN Jul 02, 2006
Answer:
Thanks for your lifesaving advice. Birds need water, especially during the cold winter months, when their metabolism increases. On the basis of your observations, I advise covering the birdbath with 1/2- or 1/4-inch wire mesh. The birds can drink the water but avoid being immersed in it to the point of freezing body parts.
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