This is Bird Note.

It's 27 degrees outside, and a robin is rolling and flopping in the bird bath, flinging water

every which way.

What on earth is it thinking?

Isn't it going to freeze to death with all that water on its feathers?

Well, it turns out that bathing and winter actually helps birds feathers protect them

from the cold.

The bath washes away particles of dirt that might otherwise prevent the feathers from

their water-proofing work, and it probably also helps remove parasites.

Birds need water in all seasons for drinking and for bathing.

So, when the water in your bird bath is frozen, you can thought with hot water, or go the

slightly more expensive but easier route by adding a heater.

Some things to keep in mind, it'll help to put the bird bath on the south side of the

house, or in the spot that gets the most sun, or against a sheltered wall.

Place it no more than six feet from a tree or shrub so the birds can fly to cover if

a predator comes along.

If you supply winter birds with water, you'll be doing them a great service.

And you might attract some really fascinating customers.

For Birdnode, I'm Mary McCann.

Birdnode gives you the sounds of birds every day, and you get the sights as well when you

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