Do wild birds need our help getting a drink?

Published 9:22 am Friday, January 25, 2008

I received call from a Mill Creek woman concerned wild birds are not getting enough water with everything frozen. She puts out a fresh pan of water each morning with a rock in the center for the birds to perch on and drink.

My first thought is birds have been taking care of themselves fine without us for a long time, but I wanted to get a professional’s advice. I asked Sharon Collman at the WSU extension office and she, in turn, asked Dave Pehling, an extension zoologist. Here’s their response, written by Collman:

“I had to wait for Dave Pehling to finish his class to ask your question. Just thought I’d back up my thoughts which follow yours. Caged chickens and other flocks, animals or pets will welcome a source of thawed water.

“The wild birds can fly and find water and you are right that they have survived through time, though some may not have made it if they weren’t able to find free water. Who would know? Mostly water has been melting in the sunny spots, or near dark rocks where the temperature is warmer.

“Wild birds might appreciate some nearby water so they don’t have to use so much energy finding water.”