The window over the kitchen sink is my “Window on My World.” I can gaze out at the yard, pastures with cows and calves and the timber beyond. Recently, as I was drinking my morning coffee and contemplating my peaceful realm, I happened to look down and saw several birds belly up to the bar at the local watering hole: our pets’ stainless steel water dish. Unfortunately, the watering hole was full of dirty rotgut left over from the previous evening when Bill washed Cricket’s feet before he brought her in the house. The foot bath water gets tossed and the dish refilled the next morning but that hadn’t happened yet. The watering hole looked more like a seedy dive on the verge of condemnation by the local health inspector! Immediate upgrade was necessary.
I replaced the dirty rotgut with sparkling fresh libation. Then I removed the screen and washed the kitchen window so I could get clearer pictures.
Over the next several days, Bill and I snapped pictures whenever we happened to see activity at the bird bath. We kept the camera within grabbing distance of the window.
Over the next several days, Bill and I snapped pictures whenever we happened to see activity at the bird bath. We kept the camera within grabbing distance of the window.
A flock of cedar waxwings flew in for a pit stop on their flight north...
and hung around to check out the local bar scene. The finch and bluebird in flight decided to make a snack run to the feeders.
Sub-freezing temperatures caused the watering hole to ice over at night and sometimes freeze solid, creating the need for another upgrade. The ground-level water dish was replaced with a high-rise bird bath, complete with heating system. Yes, the heater is electric, but we haven’t fried any birds yet. The rock island was installed to satisfy a building code requirement that the plastic structure not tip over in strong winds. This pic was taken one morning during a snow storm. The birds seem to appreciate having warm water.
We’ve noticed that the finches, bluebirds, cedar waxwings and, yes, even the sparrows all belly up to the bird bath to quaff a few together. However, when a bully bird swoops in—mockingbird, woodpecker, blue jay or grackle—it scatters the smaller birds, then drinks alone.
Liability Waiver: As we serve only water at the Bird Bath Bar, we disclaim any liability resulting from flying under the influence (FUI)!
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