Here’s how to welcome your birds all winter long.

Watching many different species of birds visit your feeders is enjoyable, whatever the season. But birds also need water all year round to stay healthy. “All birds need water for drinking and for regularly cleaning and preening their feathers,” says Curtis Smalling, executive director and vice president of Audubon North Carolina. “Feather maintenance is a very important part of a bird’s life and critical during migration seasons.”

In dry areas, and especially in winter, a birdbath or water feature can be as important to local birds as food and shelter. “Bird baths ensure birds have access to water even when local water sources are frozen, which is particularly important for migratory birds that need to rest and refuel on the go,” explains Smalling.

But if you live in the Upper or Middle South or are expecting a cold snap, your birdbath may freeze from time to time, leaving the water inaccessible to birds. While a few species, such as the American crow, blue jay and most woodpeckers, will peck through a light covering of ice, other birds may not be able to do so.

Here’s what to do to make sure your birdbath is bird-friendly, even on the coldest days:

Meet the expert

Related: 3 Reasons Why Birds May Not Be Using Your Birdbath

Make sure your birdbath is accessible

Birds prefer shallow baths, with the deepest part of the bath no more than 1 to 1 ½ inches deep. If it’s too deep, add a layer of rocks to the bottom to make it easier for birds to use.

Keep Your Birdbath Clean

Just like your bird feeders, bird baths need to be kept clean to prevent the spread of disease among wild birds, Smalling says. Clean them every week by scrubbing with nine parts water, one part vinegar, then rinse. Avoid soaps, which can strip essential oils from a bird’s feathers.

Change the water regularly

Every other day is ideal to keep it fresh and clean, says Smalling.

Opt for stone or concrete birdbaths

Although not formally studied, observations have shown that stone or concrete baths, used for centuries, store some heat, which delays freezing, especially when the baths are placed in a sunny location. . “In addition, their typical gentle slope and open design prevent the bowl from cracking even in severe frost,” explains Smalling.

Keep the water moving

Use a small device placed inside the birdbath to agitate the water to prevent it from freezing, or choose a bubbler rock that bubbles the water and provides a place for birds to perch . Some devices require electricity, while others run on battery or solar power. Water movement also prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs in the birdbath during warmer months, Smalling says.

Invest in a heated birdbath

A heated birdbath is best in colder climates and will ensure the water does not freeze. There are also additional heaters that can be used in any birdbath. Some types are thermostatically controlled and therefore only turn on when the temperature drops below freezing.

Related: How to Attract Birds to Your Feeder, According to an Expert