This is bird node.

Like preteens at a swimming pool, this flock of house sparrows chatter as it splashes in a bird bath.

Pudgy, social, chatty, and ubiquitous. The house sparrow has adapted to living in cities, suburbs, and rural areas,

considered by some just another little brown bird. A closer look reveals more. The male

house sparrow's head is decorated with chestnut and gray, and he sports a black bib. Like most

birds, these sparrows enjoy a daily bath. By setting out a bird bath, you can watch

them lower their head and shimmy down into the water, wings slightly spread. Then they pop out and

shake like a dog, water droplets flying. If you've ever watched a bird bathing in a puddle,

you know that birds like very shallow water.

An inch or two is plenty.

Be sure your bird bath has a flat rim or rocks for the birds to perch on to shake and dry.

If you aren't interested in setting out bird feeders, installing a bird bath can be an entertaining alternative.

These chattering gregarious house sparrows may be the first to arrive.

Hmm, drinking and bathing in the same water?

That's birds for you. That's why it's so important to keep your bird bath clean.

You'll keep the birds healthy and safe from disease.

For Bird Note, I'm Michael Stein.