Accordingly, we strive to have a completely natural and organic yard, especially when it comes to pest control. At one end of the yard is a small lily pond. One end of the pond is shallow and lined with small stones, just right for birds to bathe. Our resident pair of Song Sparrows really appreciate this. They come almost every evening for a quick dip before disappearing into the rhododendron to shake off and preen.
Some birds prefer the small concrete birdbath at the other corner of the yard.
It sets low to the ground on a rock, near the edge of the woods. It's not uncommon to see several birds waiting in line for their turn to cool off on a hot afternoon. Robins, Chickadees, Blue Jays and Goldfinches are frequent visitors here. Robins tend to hog it to themselves on really hot days, just sitting in the water for long periods regardless of whose waiting. We recently planted two new areas with berry producing bushes for fruit-eaters like Robins, Catbirds, Thrashers, Waxwings, Mockingbirds and others.