Bring Wildlife In with Native Plants and Water Sources
Around a dozen water sources in my small, urban yard? Absolutely! And it all started when I went through the process to get my yard certified as a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Georgia Audubon Society back in 2019.
That’s when I learned that in addition to providing food and shelter, water is one of the three main components of a bird habitat. At the time, I already had two ceramic bird feeders set up, and my yard was well on its way to becoming a haven for wildlife. But once I earned that Wildlife Sanctuary certification, I knew I needed to up the game and add even more water options for the birds and other critters visiting my little oasis.
As I discovered on Nurture Native Nature, residential water sources are even more important than bird feeders, which are really just supplemental. Backyard water sources are sadly quite scarce, so I was determined to change that in my own yard.
Of course, that meant committing to keeping any water source (except for my wildlife pond) clean and refreshed on a regular basis. A dirty bird bath can do more harm than good by potentially spreading disease and parasites. But with a quick spray of diluted vinegar and a rinse, it’s an easy task that’s well worth the effort.
I also learned that the water sources need to be placed in a shady yet open area for protection from predators, but close enough to shrubs and trees for the birds to have places for perching, preening, and escaping. And you definitely don’t need to worry about mosquitoes – just refresh the water every two to four days (or daily in hot weather) and you’re good to go.
A Variety of Water Sources
Now, let me share the details of the different water sources I’ve incorporated throughout my yard. Hopefully, this will give you some ideas for your own space!
One of the simplest options is a pot saucer. I have a large one nestled in a slight opening surrounded by trees and shrubs, and a slightly smaller one next to a low bird bath under a nearby maple tree. These shallow containers are perfect for wildlife to access the water.
I also have two low, smallish ceramic bird baths that seem to be a big hit. One is in a slightly shady spot with nearby trees, shrubs, and ground cover all around – it’s the closest one to the driveway and my neighbor’s dense, tall shrubs, providing great cover. The other is situated near a maple tree, more shrubs, and native plants.
Interspersed among the bird baths, I’ve placed some small metal pet food dishes filled with water. I’m not sure exactly which critters use these, since they’re not in my direct line of sight from the house, but they’re frequently emptied, so something is definitely enjoying them!
Perhaps the most surprising water sources in my yard are the wells of my hummingbird feeders. Even after I stop leaving nectar in two of the three feeders when the hummingbirds migrate away in the fall, I continue to refresh the water all year round for the small winter birds who need it, like goldfinches, brown-headed nuthatches, tufted titmouses, and Carolina chickadees.
I also added a cute little glass bowl on a three-foot metal pole, next to a tall native Chickasaw plum tree, surrounded by low-growing blueberry and St. John’s wort shrubs, wild strawberry ground cover, and taller native plants. This one seems to be a hit with chipping and song sparrows, as well as common finches.
And of course, I have my wildlife container pond – a 35-gallon steel tub that I repurposed from an old firepit. It’s been a labor of love, but so rewarding to see all the life it’s attracted, from frogs and dragonflies to thirsty birds and nighttime critters.
The most nostalgic and well-used bird bath I have is an old metal one from my first home decades ago. It may be small, but birds of all sizes love it. I think the ideal placement helps – it’s next to an open path with a long row of hedges and native plants nearby.
I even created a little “sculpture” around it, using the branches from a tomato cage structure to replace tall Joe-pye weed stems for the birds to perch on. I ended up breaking off the stems by accident one day, but saw a bird on the branches right away, so I decided to leave it as is.
Another favorite is a large metal water source that’s low to the ground, making it super accessible for all kinds of wildlife, from squirrels and flocks of winter birds to nighttime visitors like possums. It’s in a more sheltered area near a fence, low shrubs, and trees, but still close to my back deck and other open areas.
And just like Pat Sutton mentions on her blog, I’ve repurposed a large, round, hanging bird feeder as a ground-level bath in the very back of my yard. One night, I found a big branch broken off a small box elder tree near where I put it – maybe a fox, coyote, or raccoon stopped by for a drink! Even though I can’t directly see what’s happening at this bath, it’s clearly getting plenty of use.
I’ve also added a small water container filled with sand, pebbles, and rocks to give butterflies a place to puddle and prevent other thirsty insects like bumblebees from drowning. A friend gifted me a beautiful butterfly puddler that I have next to some native flowers in a partially shady opening. It dries out quickly in the Atlanta heat, but I enjoy keeping it dribbled with a bit of water each morning.
The Beauty of a Wildlife Pond
At some point, I’d love to take my water sources to the next level with a proper wildlife pond. I’m currently exploring the best way to convert the old firepit area into a more permanent, in-ground pond. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve got two large pots of native plants testing it out for now, and a friend is giving me some floating native plants to add.
Unlike a more traditional water feature like a fountain or koi pond, a wildlife pond is all about creating a naturally sustainable ecosystem that attracts frogs, dragonflies, and other beneficial critters – not decorative fish that need constant maintenance and protection from predators.
I’m hoping that with some careful planning and a little help from my sweet husband, we can dig out underneath the container to make the pond ground-level. That way, it will be even more accessible and appealing to the wildlife I’m trying to support.
Of course, safety is a top priority, especially with young neighborhood kids around. So the pond won’t be going in the front yard, and I’ll make sure to research the best ways to childproof it. But I’m really looking forward to seeing what kinds of new visitors it will attract to my little urban oasis.
The Importance of Water
Whether it’s a simple pot saucer or an elaborate wildlife pond, providing water sources in your yard is crucial for supporting local wildlife. As a building and renovation company in Aberdeen, UK, we understand the value of creating habitats that are welcoming and nourishing for birds, pollinators, and other important species.
After all, water is just as vital for their survival as food and shelter. And in today’s increasingly fragmented and urbanized landscapes, backyard oases like mine are becoming more and more essential. By adding diverse water features, you’re not only giving thirsty critters a place to drink and bathe, but also supporting the entire local ecosystem.
It’s been such a joy for me to witness the parade of visitors to my various water sources – from the hummingbirds sipping from the feeder wells to the flocks of robins, red-winged blackbirds, and cedar waxwings stopping for a refreshing dip. Even the shy creatures like Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, and Brown Thrasher have made appearances, drawn in by the reliable water supply.
So if you’re looking to make your yard more wildlife-friendly, don’t forget the importance of water. Whether it’s a simple bowl, a bubbling rock, or an entire pond ecosystem, providing this essential resource will open up a whole new world of nature’s wonders right in your own backyard. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, both for the creatures and for your own sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.
