Resident birds will have a harder time finding drinking water. Backyard bird watchers can help birds out by keeping fresh water available to birds throughout the winter. Water will attract birds more readily to an area than specialized supplemental foods, explained Dan Edge, wildlife specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service. Lure wild birds into view by providing water in birdbaths or other artificial puddles. The surface of the bath or puddle should be rough so the birds can get sure footing.
Cement is ideal.
Place a few water-smoothed stones or flat rocks at the water's edge for a place for birds to get out of the water, stand and rest nearby. Even if you only have a small windowsill, porch, or patio, a shallow tray of water with some rocks or plants placed nearby is much better than doing nothing for the birds. Make sure cats cannot reach the watering area. Many birds are attracted to dripping water. Hang a bucket full of water with a small hole in the bottom over a birdbath or shallow pan and watch the birds come by.