Water for fall migration: fountains and birdbaths in Florida yards

Every fall, millions of birds move south through Florida. Some pass through on their way to the Caribbean and Central America. Others stop and spend the winter here. Either way, they need food, cover and water, and water is often the hardest to find in a manicured neighborhood.

A fountain or birdbath is one of the simplest ways to bring more birds into your yard. It is also a good time to mention that more than 30 new fountains just arrived at SmartyPlants, along with birdbaths, which are new for us.

Why water matters in the fall

Migrating birds burn a lot of energy and need to drink and bathe along the way. In South Florida, October and November also mark the start of the dry season, when puddles and low spots dry up. A reliable source of clean water can make your yard a regular stop.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are a good example. Most pass through Florida in the fall, and some spend the winter in South Florida. Warblers, catbirds and other songbirds follow the same pattern.

Birdbaths: keep them shallow

Birds prefer water they can stand in. A birdbath with a gently sloping basin no more than an inch or two deep at the edge works best. If yours is deeper, a few flat stones in the bottom give birds somewhere to perch.

Placement matters too. Put the birdbath where birds can see around them, with a shrub or small tree within a short flight for cover, but not so close that a cat can hide right beside it.

Fountains: moving water draws birds in

Birds notice the sound and sparkle of moving water from farther away than a still basin. A fountain also stays cleaner, since circulating water is less inviting to mosquitoes. A small bubbler or a tiered fountain with a shallow bowl gives birds both a drink and a place to bathe.

Our new fountains range from tabletop pieces to large statement fountains. We can deliver and install the ones you buy, including setting them level and getting the pump running.

Keep the water clean and mosquito-free

Standing water can breed mosquitoes in about a week. Dump and refill a still birdbath every few days, and scrub it with a brush when algae builds up. A fountain that runs continuously does most of the work for you, but check the water level often in the dry season, since evaporation is fast.

Avoid chemicals in water birds will drink. Plain water and a stiff brush are enough.

Plant around the water

Water works best with food and cover nearby. Native plants that flower and fruit in the fall and winter feed migrating and wintering birds. Firebush is a favorite of hummingbirds, and beautyberry's purple fruit feeds songbirds in the fall. Our posts on plants hummingbirds love and wildlife-friendly landscaping have more.

Layering helps: a tree for perching, shrubs for cover and lower plants around them give birds a reason to stay.

Choosing a fountain for your space

Start with scale. A small tabletop or wall fountain suits a balcony, courtyard or small patio, and its sound carries just far enough to be heard from a nearby chair. A larger tiered fountain makes a focal point in a front entry or the center of a garden bed. Measure the space before you shop, and think about where you will see the fountain from, not just where it will sit.

Then think about power. Most fountains run on a small electric pump and need an outdoor-rated outlet nearby. Solar fountains work for small pieces in full sun but usually only run while the sun is on the panel. Our team can tell you what each fountain needs before you buy it.

Keeping a fountain running

A fountain needs a little routine care. Top off the water often in the dry season, since the pump can be damaged if it runs dry. Clean out leaves and debris that collect in the basin, and rinse the pump's intake screen if the flow slows down. Every so often, drain the fountain fully and scrub algae from the bowls.

In a storm, unplug the pump, and before a hurricane, empty smaller fountains and bring light pieces inside or lay them down so they cannot be blown over.

Birds you may see this season

Depending on where you live and what you plant, fall and winter visitors to a South Florida yard can include warblers, gray catbirds, ruby-throated hummingbirds and other songbirds passing through or staying for the winter. Resident birds such as cardinals, mockingbirds and blue jays will use your water all year.

Keep a pair of binoculars by the window that faces your birdbath. Watching who comes to drink is half the reason to put one in.

Placing water near your windows

Put your fountain or birdbath where you will see it. A spot visible from a kitchen window, a breakfast table or a favorite chair on the porch means you will actually notice the birds that come. Keep it at least a few feet from glass, or close enough to a window that a startled bird cannot build up speed, to reduce window strikes.

A mix of sun and shade through the day keeps water cooler and slows algae. Under the edge of a tree canopy is often ideal.

A bird section is on the way

Fountains and birdbaths are only the start. We are adding a full bird section to SmartyPlants, with feeders, bird houses and hummingbird feeders. We will share more when it opens.

In the meantime, come see the fountains and birdbaths. Our team can help you choose a size for your space.

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