Whether you are currently living in the heat and humidity or being threatened with heavy rain and thunderstorms we all can take a bath outside simply by walking out the door in much of the U.S. this August. Or perhaps you would like to join this Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) for a cool down and clean up. You can see the bird even dunking its head in the water and getting its entire body wet.
Bird bathing is critical for our feathered friends in order to help keep all of those feathers in the best shape they can be. Baths also likely help in getting rid of mites or ticks while of course cleaning off various forms of dirt. In short, I think they bathe for all of the same reasons that we do. If you can help them out with some fresh, clean water in your yard, do it! You will be rewarded with a lot of happy birds and terrific views.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
