Why do birds use my birdbath when a clean freshwater lake is next door?

Question

We've never seen them splashing in the lake water but they use the birdbath all the time. The lake water is a public water supply and is very clean.

Answer 1

The bird bath is warm and shallow.
AND, they know there are not predators in the bird bath!

Answer 2

The water in the Birdbath is shallow and they can detect enemies easier than by the lake.
Food supply is probably close by for the birds using the Birdbath.

Answer 3

I'm guessing it's because the birdbath is just the right depth (or shallowness) for them, and they aren't so exposed as compared to splashing about in a huge lake. They probably feel safer in the birdbath since the water is also still and there aren't creatures from under the water to worry about. :)

Answer 4

Perhaps it is not easy for the birds to actually get in the water. Song birds need an open beach area. Larger birds can get in and out over rocks, but not smaller ones. Wild birds are reluctant to enter water anyway. They have great difficulty in detecting predators.

Your lake maybe clean, but I doubt you would ever drink water directly from that lake. Any lake that has houses on or near it will have some degree of pollution.

Answer 5

Well, why do you think it's called a birdbath!!! It's more comfortable for the birds.

Answer 6

As there is less water, it will heat up faster, so on a cold day, it will be significantly warmer. Also, because it is smaller, there is no current to trap the birds in as they bathe, and there are also no predators in your bird bath... Apart from maybe a very cunning cat...

Answer 7

they feel safer.


may be you supply softer towels.lol