Birdfeeders

Birds need to take good care of their feathers. Some bathe in fine dust. When you find round impressions in loose soil, chances are very good that quail have been there cleaning their feathers. Others bathe in water, which is one reason why it is important to have bird baths in our yards. After getting thoroughly wet in bird baths or other water sources, birds will move to close by perches to attend to each feather individually. The bird will reach back to the preen gland, a small opening that secretes oil. The bird mixes the oil with saliva and then draws its bill across each feather, which cleans and waterproofs at the same time. This process is very necessary to the overall health and well being of birds, so just as we supply bird feeders to feed hungry birds, we should supply bird baths for cleaning of feathers as well as for drinking water.