The black-capped chickadee having a drink from the bird bath.

Looking after our feathered friends throughout the year is an important aspect of taking care of the birds that come to our yards. We can offer the birds a bird bath, water feature or both. Birds need drinks and they like to bathe.

This is a look at some of the birds that visited the bird baths in the yard so far this year in spring and summer. Some birds like American robins and Steller’s jays want to have the bird bath to themselves, especially if they are bathing or planning to! A robin might tolerate a second robin but doesn’t hesitate to act aggressively if it prefers to have the bath to itself.

Other species don’t mind company at all. Purple finches, for example, will come by themselves, and in pairs or more to drink and bathe. Other species like the European starling, and house finch will often come in flocks to the bird bath.

It is a good idea to place bird baths close to cover in case a bird has to make a quick escape. Wilson’s warblers and orange-crowned warblers seem to like waiting in the salal if there is an occupant in the bath when they arrive. If the waiting warbler becomes impatient it may try to sneak in from under cover behind the occupant for a drink and sometimes a bath. I have seen this tactic work many times. The warbler is in and out before its presence is even noticed.

Bird behavior at the bird bath can be very interesting and entertaining. Happy birding!