UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Excessive heat and water shortages cause problems for birds and wildlife as well as people, says a wildlife specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

"Many species of birds require water for drinking and bathing," says Margaret Brittingham, associate professor of wildlife resources in the School of Forest Resources. "Other species don't normally drink water, but get it instead from consuming fruit and vegetation."

In drought conditions, Brittingham explains, the ponds, streams and rain puddles used by birds diminish or dry up. Homeowners can offer birds a reliable source of water by installing a bird bath.

"You can buy a formal bath with saucer and pedestal, or you can take a flat saucer, such as the type often placed under large plants, and fill it with water," Brittingham says. "You even can make a birdbath using a garbage can lid. By placing a few stones inside, the birds have a place to perch while drinking."

Brittingham says any bird bath should have the following qualities:

--Depth. Bird baths should be no deeper than 3 inches in the center and sides should slope down to its deepest point. "An edge along the top provides birds with a place to perch," Brittingham says.

--Surface. The bath surface should be rough, so birds can maintain sure footing. Pebbles, stone and concrete offer good traction, but plastic is often too slippery.

--Height. Bird baths can be on the ground, on a pedestal or hung from a branch. "Ground-level baths offer water for small animals such as chipmunks and rabbits," Brittingham says. "However, bathing birds are very vulnerable to predators. If cats roam your property, the bird bath should be raised off the ground."

--Dripping water. Birds are attracted by dripping water, Brittingham says. Some bird baths are equipped with fountains, but drought conditions will preclude their use. "Homeowners can make a bird bath water drip by using a nail to puncture a small hole in a jug, can or bucket and hanging it over the bath," she adds. "The slow, steady drip from a filled container will attract birds. Once birds have found the bath, their visits will continue, even when water isn't dripping."

--Location. Brittingham recommends placing the bath near a tree with overhanging branches. "The birds need a place to sit and preen after bathing," she says. "You also should place the bath away from dense shrubbery where cats can hide."

--Care. Make sure bird bath water is fresh, dumping the bath out at least once a week. Use a brush to remove accumulated algae. "Never use chemicals to control algae," Brittingham says.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Margaret Brittingham at 814-863-8442.

Contacts: John Wall jtw3@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax