Well, I think this might work! Talk about a long journey to this birdbath heater. Yesterday I went to the local hardware store to find they didn't have any birdbath heaters, so I headed over to the Wild Bird Chalet and found that there are really no other ways to get a heater into your birdbath unless you have electricity running out the door. I went to the apartment manager and found that there are no outside electrical options on the front side of the apartment, only the back.
Back to the hardware store to find a flat (relatively speaking) extension cord that we might be able to get under the door. Smart Guy was extremely reluctant to have all this dubious activity going on (like an extension cord going outside into the rain), so he helped me to find a solution in order to keep me from being electrocuted. This little 45-watt heater sits in the bottom of a shallow birdbath (I can't make it stay on the bottom without that rock on it) and it gently warms the water. I suspect that in extremely cold weather it won't work. Once we got it covered up with electrical tape and I promised to unplug it at night before I go to bed AND also check the tape holding it in place under the front door, we got this solution to water for the birds.
When I came home today from the gym, Smart Guy said he has seen the jays, lots of chickadees and juncos, and of course sparrows drinking from the birdbath. I am really overjoyed. As soon as I sat down to write this post, several birds came to drink and I was able to snap that picture above.
I have thought of several different things I'd like to write about, so I have begun another blog, which I'll tell you about as soon as I get something on there. It is not going to be limited in length (I strive for brevity on this blog), and hopefully I will explore some of the more emotional and controversial issues that I have decided not to post here, since it's not easy to put those ideas into a few paragraphs. This one, D-Jan-ity, I want to remain relevant to the followers I've accumulated and also bring "eye candy" to make it more interesting. I never thought I would be starting another one before a year had passed!
There is no way for me to be amusing like so many of the blogs I follow are, I try and it comes off flat. I can't be Robynn or Rae, I know; I've tried. This venue has opened up worlds I never knew existed, and for that I am grateful. Never did I think that here in retirement my circle of friends would grow so large, so relevant, so... virtual.
:-)
I can't be Rae either. I'm glad you decided to go with the extension cord. I suppose the birds are like horses in that they don't drink enough water when it's really cold. I don't blame them...
ReplyDeleteThat looks good, glad to hear the birds like it.
ReplyDeleteBeware, blogs are contagious, I'm up to four but one is a well hidden test area for my strange experiments!
Stay warm over that way, it hit nine here last night.
Judy
You are sweet. Thank you for the nice compliment. I forgot to mention another option for the heated birdbath yesterday. If this one doesn't work for you, you might consider a heated dog water dish. It will not be too deep for the larger birds and the little ones can still stand on the rim to get a drink.
ReplyDeleteI am anxious to find out more about the new blog. I tried a second one, but gave it up after a few months. It was more than I wanted to commit to.
If the bird bath were close to the house would that make a difference on it not freezing? Or if it were lined and somehow insulted? Like in the ground protected somehow?
ReplyDeleteHow do the birds keep from getting shocked when they drink from the water?
sandy
I'm so glad you found something that works! I would think it would keep working even in colder temperatures. How cold has it been there?
ReplyDeleteI understand the desire to delve into deeper, more sensitive and self revealing posts. I have struggled to find a balance and finally gave in to the desire to post whatever strikes my fancy. Still, let us all know when you have something set up; I most definitely want to follow:)
You will be paid back tenfold in enjoyment by your bird bath heater! Good for you with the new Blog. I will look forward to it!
ReplyDeletePersistence is your middle name. :D Good for you and the birds, of course.
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ReplyDeleteWell, I screwed that up! Take a look at the top of this page, or even over to the right under "My Relevant Links" to find the new blog. I gave it the wrong address, which is why I deleted the above comment. And Sandy, the coil is where the heat is trapped and it doesn't give the birds a shock. Thanks for worrying about them too!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has two going but I have a hard time keeping one going. Keep us updated on the new one. I like your little bird bath. I knew you would find a solution!
ReplyDeleteYour birdbath is very ingenious. Two blogs! I cannot even think of that for me – as it is I usually don’t go to bed until 1:30 or 2:00 AM to read all my blogging friends posts and write comments. I envy your stamina.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you found a solution! I heard that they make a battery powered heater..so I looked online..I could not find one. I figured with a battery charger and extra batteries you would be home free..!
ReplyDeleteNOW..our birds here..eat snow.. they are Minnesota birds..and they must adapt.
I will check out your new blog:)
I LOVE the sweetness of you - making a warmed bird bath for our feathered friends! Of course, I'm not surprised.
ReplyDeleteWe have a little friend who has taken up residence at our pool. I have no idea what kind of bird he is - and I'm a birder - and he's all alone. I'm afraid he was blown in on a storm and might not actually belong here. I've shot pictures and mean to try and identify him. He's all black with a crested head and a white underbelly. Cute as can be. He swoops the pool and sits on the vacuum. I'll let you know if I figure him out.
Thank you for the props today and Rae came over for a visit and decided to stay. :) Now I'm off to visit her!
I found him! He's a Black Phoebe! And he is within his range - just a bachelor for now I guess.
ReplyDeleteCan't help but feel reminded of the Jane Austen quote from Pride & Prejudice (as he has the whole pool and backyard for himself) "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in
possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." I wish I could matchmake!!! lol
D-Jan,that's a sweet thing to do for the birds.It gets cold here too,can drop to 1 at times,I just put out warm water every few hours....they seem to eat more in winter.
ReplyDeleteThese days the climate is weird,10 days ago it was 7 at night ,then turned warm and now it's back to 8(daytime it's a cool 22)
Congrats on the new blog,I've got many at various stages of construction....it's hard to update all and keep up with comments,blog visits ....I've got too many interests:)Stay warm!
I am late! Well congratulations that you have come up with a quick a solution to your little experiments, the birds will really thank you for your thoughtfulness.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations again on your new blog,now you have two blogs to keep up, I also have two blogs and sometimes it's hard to keep up and catch up with blogs but it's just a matter of time management and trying some tricks in commenting LOL!
AL
We got one at Amazon.com. It comes with a wire around the electrical wire to keep the squirrels and other animals from biting electrical cord. I think about $20.00. The other one we had lasted about 10 years and looked bad so we go a new one.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to the one we got there.
http://www.amazon.com/Farm-Innovators-Quart-Heated-Bowl/dp/B001G1AUZ2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260373160&sr=8-6
Oh, DJ...You are simply wonderful!!! Making a warm bird bath is brilliant!!! How on earth did you think of it!?! I want to do the same...I'll have to figure out how to make it work at our house...AND I can't wait to read your new blog!!! I'm sure it will be as beautiful and thoughtful as you are!!!! We are so blessed to KNOW you...I am grateful for your friendship!!! ~Janine XO
ReplyDeleteI love you for the effort you went to for those birdies. I hope they show their appreciation :)
ReplyDeleteDear D-jan, I have been ill with the flu for two weeks and got very behind with Blogging so I apologise for that. I love your little bird bath and I'm sure the birds do too. They really do need our help, don't they! I feel wood pigeons, sparrows, blackbirds and starlings. We don't have so many different types of birds here in the middle of a housing estate, but they still need the help that I give. I know that from the number that came into the garden last winter during the snowy fortnight. It was like a scene from the Hitchcock film, The Birds.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
I will be interested in your new blog, make sure and let me know when you get it up and running, ok?
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