P E N N S Y L V A N I A W I L D L I F E for Wildlife: Bird Baths and Backyard

natural stream or . Ground-level Bird Baths baths also provide water for many other lthough back- animal species, such as chipmunks and Adding a bird bath to your yard is the squirrels. Having both types allows you yard feeders are easiest way to provide drinking and bath- A to provide water for the greatest variety ing water for birds. A bird bath does not a popular way to attract birds, of wildlife species. need to be elaborate or expensive, and it can be made with materials found around providing a source of water is Bird baths come in a variety of sizes and the house. Bird baths require only a small materials, and they can be found at most equally important for creat- amount of care and maintenance, and , home, and pet stores. They range they will attract not only birds but other ing a wildlife-friendly yard. By from about $20 for a simple hanging animals as well. terra-cotta or pedestal concrete bath to adding a bird bath or wildlife several hundred dollars for a cast-iron or Ty pes aluminum bath. You can make an inex- pond, you provide necessary There are two basic types of bird baths: pensive bird bath from materials found aboveground baths, which often hang around the house, such as the inverted water for not only birds but or are placed on a pedestal, and baths lid of a garbage can or a large terra-cotta placed at or near ground level. The type many other species as well. plant saucer. Either place these directly of bath you select will determine the on the ground or attach them to a rope You also add an aesthetically kinds of birds you may or chains to hang from a see using it. pleasing element to your back- branch. In general, birds that yard. This fact sheet covers Whether you buy or typically feed at bird make a bird bath, keep the basics of selecting and feeders, such as the in mind what is most black-capped chicka- attractive to a bird. Birds maintaining a bird bath. It dee, house finch, and Illustration by Jeffery Mathison do not like slippery sur- tufted titmouse, are also explains how to create a faces, and baths made out of materials most likely to use a bird bath located such as glazed pottery or smooth plas- above the ground. Adding another bird backyard pond to attract birds, tics are not as attractive as those with bath on the ground may also attract less a rough surface, like concrete or terra- insects, amphibians, and other common backyard bird species since cotta. Whether you already have a bird this type of bath more closely mimics a wildlife. 2 bath or are making one, provide Backyard water and ponds a nonstick surface by adding a have become increasingly popu- few small rocks or even bath- lar in the last few years, and the tub stickers. In addition, birds options can seem endless. Despite will only use a bath with shal- the large array of sizes, shapes, and low water, no more than 2 to 3 designs, creating a simple pond inches of water at the deepest. can be cost effective and attract a variety of wildlife. Remember, Another way to attract birds to however, that a wildlife pond is your yard is to add a dripping or not the same as the ornate water misting . A drip- Painted turtle garden you may see advertised in per adds water slowly to a bird Sidelinger John by Illustration garden stores or magazines. The bath from above, creating the most effective wildlife ponds blend sound of water dropping into the into an informal yard or garden bath. You can purchase one from many Care and Maintenance that has and designed to of the same places that sell bird baths, Ideally, the water in your bird bath should attract wildlife. If you do decide that a or you can make a simple version with be changed every day to prevent dirt wildlife pond is right for you, you’ll need a plastic soda bottle or milk jug. Simply and debris from accumulating. Chang- to make some important decisions before fill the bottle with water and puncture ing the water daily in the summer also you start digging. a small hole through the bottom. Then prevents larvae from hatching attach the bottle above the bath water in your bird bath, which is a concern Planning a Backyard Pond and allow it to drip in. You will need to where the West Nile virus may be pres- One of the first questions to consider is refill it daily. ent. You should also scrub your bath with what type of wildlife you want to attract. a brush, mild soap, and water every week A backyard pond can range from a sim- A mister is another popular water feature. to remove . ple, shallow pool that attracts primarily You can place it anywhere in your yard birds to a larger, deeper pond with plants by attaching it to a garden hose. Many Winter and waterfalls, or anything in between. birds, especially hummingbirds, enjoy fly- The winter months can be especially dif- Because there are so many options, it is ing through the fine mist that is created. ficult for birds and other animals since important to consider the needs of the Misters are also commonly sold where water can be scarce. Maintaining your wildlife you are trying to attract. Listed bird baths are found. bird bath throughout the winter will below are some of the animals you may ensure a constant supply of fresh water. find at a wildlife pond, as well as some of Location A variety of heated bird baths will keep their requirements in a pond. Birds like to have a safe place to drink the bath water above freezing during the and bathe, so it is best to place your winter. Submersible heaters that you can bird bath near shrubs or some low tree place directly into the bath water are also branches to allow them to escape quickly available. Both types require a nearby if aerial predators are nearby. In addition, electrical outlet. You can also use a solar a shady location will keep your bath from heater for your bird bath. These work overheating in the summer and algae well under sunny conditions, but not levels low. When you have a ground-level when it is cloudy or overcast. bath, however, it is important to be aware of any cats that may be able to sneak up and attack the birds using your bath. If this is a potential problem in your yard, The Next Step: place your ground-level bath someplace A Backyard Pond where the birds can see a cat or other If you decide that you want to add a predator approaching, typically 10 to 15 larger water feature, attract a wider vari- feet from the nearest hiding spot. Finally, ety of wildlife, or add an aesthetically do not place your bird bath beneath bird pleasing feature to your backyard, you peeper feeders because food and droppings will may want to consider a wildlife pond. dirty the bath. Illustration by John Sidelinger John by Illustration 3

Birds Birds use even the smallest ponds for maximum depth (include shelves), drinking and bathing, provided the water Creating a Simple Backyard Pond and measure across to the opposite is not too deep. A larger pond can also side. Do the same for the maximum provide for birds, as long as part of the width. Add approximately 2 feet pond has a shallow edge. Shallow rocks Below are general directions for a to both measurements. If you are or sand along this area provide a nonslip- creating a simple backyard pond. unsure about your exact measure- pery surface that birds prefer. A dripping ments, ask your supplier for help. Plan your pond. Once you have feature or waterfall is also very attractive decided on a site, outline a shape to birds. Place your liner in the pond. If with string or a garden hose. you are using an underlay, position Although the pond bottom does not it in place before the liner. Anchor Amphibians have to be level, it is important that the edge of your liner in place with Amphibians use a backyard pond and the the top edges of the pond are level. rocks or bricks. surrounding vegetation for food, shelter, and breeding. In the wild, frogs and toads Excavate your pond to the desired Add a bottom to your pond. You lay their eggs in temporary pools or the depth. Remember that you want at can add a variety of different materi- shallow of natural ponds, seeking least some areas with shallow edges als to the bottom, including sand or areas where fish are absent and cannot so that birds, amphibians, and other small rocks. eat their eggs. Unfortunately, fish and animals can use your pond. Because amphibians do not usually co-exist in a shallow water can heat more quickly Add water. Place a pump, if you and therefore encourage algae wildlife pond either, and the usual rec- are using one, in the bottom of the growth, keep shallow areas in a pond but raised slightly to avoid ommendation is to have a fishless pond if shady location. becoming clogged. Add water to you want to attract amphibians. your pond slowly. If you are using Add shelves. If you are going to tap water and want to add fish, let Once tadpoles develop, they require shal- have marginal or bog plants in your the water sit for a day or two to let low water so they can successfully emerge pond, you may want to add some the chlorine evaporate. from the pond. Some amphibians, such shallow shelves within the pond to as bullfrogs, also need areas of deeper place the plants on. Finishing touches. Once the liner water (up to 3 feet), where they overwin- in the pond has settled, cut away ter underneath rocks and vegetation. All Decide how much liner you need. excess liner to about 6 inches from With a measuring tape, measure amphibians require areas of wet vegeta- the edge and cover with soil. Land- the maximum length of your pond. tion, rocks, and logs around the pond’s scape the edge with plants. Enjoy! Start at the edge, go down to the edges to provide cover, shade, moisture, and food. Illustration by Jeffery Mathison 4

Fish almost anywhere in a yard, a wildlife plan to add plants, especially many of If you decide you want to add fish to your pond should blend into the existing fea- the tropical water lilies, some will require wildlife pond, it is best to include native tures of your yard and contain enough a certain amount of daylight per day to species that you would find in a natural cover around it to make it a safe place for bloom. Intermittent shade from decidu- pond. Many smaller sunfish species or a animals to use. The following are some ous trees is usually the most beneficial, as minnow such as the golden shiner can things that may influence your choice of it warms the waters during the spring and be kept in a backyard pond. Although where to put your pond. fall, while providing cooling during the exotic fish like and Japanese koi hot summer months. are popular, they would be out of place ■ How much space do I have? in your wildlife pond and are really only A backyard pond does not need to be ■ Will the pond be located in a safe appropriate in an ornamental pond. large; even a small, 4-by-4-foot pond will place? Exotic fish, in addition, tend to be more attract wildlife. But most pond builders The safety of your pond is an important brightly colored and are more easily spot- wish that they had built a bigger, rather consideration since even a small pond ted (and eaten) by predators. If you are than a smaller, pond than they originally can be hazardous for small children. You concerned about fish eating your frog and had. Try to estimate how much space you may also want to check with your insur- toad eggs or tadpoles, you can increase can reasonably devote to a pond so that ance company on liability issues regard- their survival by providing areas of shal- it is still effective and yet does not over- ing your pond. Before you start digging, low water and dense submergent plants or whelm your yard. make sure there are no electrical lines rock structures where eggs and develop- beneath the soil, and check local ordi- ing tadpoles can hide from predators. ■ How much runoff might it receive? nances to see if there are any restrictions Be sure to put your pond in an area that on water depth or if you will need a fence Adding any type of fish to your back- does not receive runoff from surrounding around the pond. In addition, if you are yard pond means additional effort in lawns or roads. Runoff can introduce her- maintaining water quality, temperature, bicides, fertilizers, insecticides, or other and an adequate food source. Most fish contaminants into the water. also require a pond with at least 2 feet of water, although the exact depth depends ■ How high is the water table? on which type of fish you introduce. In Placing your pond in an area with a high general, it is recommended to add only water table will cause the liner of your 1 inch of fish for every 5 gallons of water pond to buckle. You may need to add (remember that fish grow, so try to factor a drain, or you may want to consider a in their adult length). more natural, earthen pond that does not require a liner. Insects Many beneficial insects such as dragon- ■ How rocky is the soil? flies, damselflies, and water striders are A site with many large rocks or tree roots attracted to a wildlife pond, especially if may require additional excavation or may you put large numbers of flowering plants ultimately damage the liner. in or near the pond. Attracting a variety ■ of insects to your pond also means there How level is the site? will be adequate food for birds, fish, and Consider slope when selecting a place amphibians. for your pond. A level site is easi- est to design, excavate, and maintain. Although water features can be placed in Dragonfly a pond on a slope, this requires additional Questions to Consider planning and materials. When Designing a Backyard Pond ■ How much shade or sun does the site receive? Once you have decided what type of A site with some shade is ideal, espe- wildlife you want to attract, consider cially for a very small pond, since shade where to locate your pond. While an prevents overheating and excess algae Illustration by Jeffery Mathison ornamental can be placed buildup in your water. However, if you 5

using a pump or other feature requiring shape and size as well as a greater choice Pumps electricity, it will need to have approved in liner material, thickness, and lon- You do not need a pump for your wildlife electrical fittings, and an electrician may gevity. However, they typically require pond unless you add water features like need to install the proper outlets for you. installation by at least two people and a dripper or waterfall. Installing a small, can be bulky and difficult to work with. recirculating pump adds a “gurgling” ■ What types of special water features Older liners may be made out of plastics noise that attracts birds. But operating a do I want? such as PVC or polyethelene and are usu- pump also means that your pond must be A backyard pond has an unlimited num- ally the least expensive. located near an electrical source, and the ber of design possibilities. Many owners pump may be costly to operate. add features such as waterfalls, dripping Newer liners can consist of synthetic , bog gardens, separate fish rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propyl- The size of pump you need is determined pools, and recirculating streams. While ene diene monomer) or a combination by the gallons per hour (gph) that it can you can add these features later, it is best of materials, such as DuPont’s Xavan® recirculate. Gph is determined by fac- to have some idea of what you ultimately liners, which are the lightest and most tors such as how much water you have in want in a backyard pond to make design- tear-resistant. These also have the lon- your pond, how far and high the water in ing and buying materials easier. gest guarantee of all the newer flexible your pond has to travel from a pump to a liners. An EPDM rubber liner is the most waterfall or other feature (both vertically popular among pond builders, but it can and horizontally), and whether you also Choosing Materials for be one of the heavier liners to work with. need the pump to circulate water through Your Pond Whatever you decide to use, it is impor- a filter. Although most smaller pumps are tant to find a liner specifically designed submersible and fulfill the needs of most Companies that specialize in water gar- for use in a pond; otherwise, it may be wildlife ponds, a pond with large water- dens and backyard ponds can be help- coated with toxic chemicals (for example, falls or a large filter may require a bigger ful sources of materials and information. another type of EPDM liner is also used pump housed outside the pond. Many home and garden stores also pro- as a roofing liner). covers vide materials and advice. The Internet are not appropriate for use as a After deciding on pump size, you will can be useful for gathering information since they are coated with chemicals. probably find many suitable models. and comparison shopping, and many ama- Pumps can vary widely in price, energy Longevity of liners teur websites are devoted entirely to the efficiency, and longevity, and you should The longevity of the older liners varies successes and failures of pond building. consider all these factors when choosing widely, so check before you buy. In gen- one. It is better to wait until you have eral, most newer liners are guaranteed Liners your pond completely planned. Then give for 25 to 50 years or longer. Resistance A liner is necessary for most backyard your supplier the dimensions and details to ultraviolet (UV) light also affects ponds to keep the water from escaping of your pond and let him or her help you the longevity of your pond liner since into your soil. Although it is possible to choose a pump of the right size. sunlight can break down the material use concrete to line your pond, this mate- and create holes. Most newer liners are rial is difficult to work with and usually Filters UV resistant, but some of the older ones does not last for many years. A wide vari- You will need a filter for your pond if may require additional protection from ety of flexible and preformed pools and you plan to introduce a large number of the sun. Finally, some liners are more liners for a backyard pond are now avail- fish. There are a few basic types of filters: susceptible to puncture than others, able from many sources. When choosing mechanical, biological, and plant. A and you will want to know how easy it a liner, you have many options. mechanical filter moves water through a is to fix any holes you encounter in your Dragonfly filter pad and removes large particles that Types of pond liners pond liner. can make your pond look cloudy. Biologi- A preformed plastic or fiberglass pond Protecting the liner cal filters help to remove high ammonia lasts the longest and resists puncturing, In rocky soils, an underlay may be needed concentrations in ponds where there but it can be more expensive and difficult to protect the liner from tearing. Old are many fish. A plant filter is a type of to install. Typically, these types of liners carpeting or newspapers are usually rec- biological filter. Water is moved through are also very small, steep, and deep, and ommended as a good underlay liner. a gravel bed of aquatic plants where therefore you would need to add a slop- However, some newer liners (such as colonizing bacteria and enzymes remove ing edge to make this type a beneficial those made with Xavan) are very thick ammonia from the water. wildlife pond. Flexible liners are usually and puncture resistant and likely will not preferred because they allow flexibility in require the use of an underlay. 6

these plants may be difficult. Mail order Adding Plants to Your Pond companies sell bare-root plants that can later be put into pots. Plants are a key part of a wildlife pond. They can help keep the pond ecologically Free-floating Plants balanced by shading the water, removing The leaves of these plants float on the excess nutrients, and providing food for surface, but the roots are not anchored your fish. to the soil. Free-floating plants include species such as frog’s bit and small duck- There are four basic groups of plants that weed. These and deep-water plants both you can add to your pond and the sur- shade and remove nutrients from the rounding edges: deep-water, floating, sub- water, helping to decrease algae out- merged, and marginal plants. Although breaks. Although many species of floating ideally you want to include a variety plants, such as water lettuce and water of each type, some plants have certain hyacinth, are considered very invasive in depth, sunlight, and temperature require- southern climates, they are not hardy in Arrow arum ments and may not be appropriate for the north and will die during the winter your pond. (unless they are brought inside). However, experts recommend avoiding potentially Most suppliers of aquatic plants sell a invasive species. Plants that are hardy in wide variety of native and nonnative spe- northern climates fall to the bottom of cies, but it is a good idea to consider pri- a pond during the winter and reemerge marily native aquatic plants. To help you in the spring. Northern-hardy plants can decide which plants to add to your pond, grow rapidly and may need to be thinned a good plant guide is invaluable for deter- out periodically during the summer to mining sunlight and depth requirements, prevent them from overtaking the pond. whether the plant is native or exotic, and within which zones each plant is hardy. Oxygenators or Submergents These plants grow completely or primar- Deep-water Plants ily under water, releasing oxygen and The leaves of deep-water plants typically filtering out excess nutrients. The recom- float on the water’s surface, but their mendation is to add at least one bunch of roots grow in the soil (or pots). Water lil- submergents for every 1 to 2 square feet ies are especially popular among pond of water. Many of the plants found in this builders, and there are endless varieties. group can also grow quickly and over- But many tropical or subtropical species take a pond if they are not thinned out Joe-pye weed need long hours of direct sunlight and regularly. Native species include Illinois warm temperatures each day to bloom. In pondweed, eastern purple bladderwort, addition, both hardy and tropical species hornwort, common water milfoil, and require protection in the winter (hardy broad waterweed. Avoid exotic and inva- species can remain in the pond as long as sive species like hydrilla, Eurasian water their roots do not freeze). milfoil, and parrot feather.

A combination of deep-water and free- Marginal or Bog Plants floating plants (see below) should not The roots of marginals are submerged or cover more than 70 percent of the pond’s partly submerged in the water; margin- surface. This helps to keep a balanced als include cattails and other grasses, amount of sunlight for shading the water rushes, and sedges. These plants are com- (helping to reduce algae levels) but allows monly grown in containers and placed enough sunlight for submergent plants on shelves within the pond or planted growing below the water. Although it is around its edges. Many types of emer- best to buy deep-water plants directly in gent plants, such as spotted joe-pye weed, Arrowwood their containers, finding local suppliers of sweet flag, soft rush, and pickerel weed, Illustrations by Jeffery Mathison 7 are especially attractive to either butter- tom, occasional removal of debris is nec- vent the buildup of waste that encourages flies or dragonflies. essary. A pond that is balanced should algae growth. not require yearly draining and cleaning. Do not plant purple loosestrife. Although Smaller ponds may require emptying Algae blooms can be most problematic in this plant has attractive purple flowers, it every two to three years; larger ponds the spring as sunlight and warmer tem- is extremely invasive. may go longer. All the water needs to be peratures increase mineral levels in the removed and fish and plants placed in a pond. This condition is usually only tem- There is no limit to the number of plants temporary location. Mud and debris are porary, however, and continual chang- you can add to the surrounding areas removed from the bottom and any repairs ing of the water may make the problem of your pond. Many species attract but- can be made to the lining at this point. worse. Blanketweed can appear in ponds terflies and other insects as well as birds. This is also a good time to add new with good and bad water quality; it is Adding a diverse array of plants and plants or divide and repot overgrown or usually best dealt with by regular removal grasses with logs and rocks will provide root-bound plants. with a stick or rake and taken out of the food and cover for both aquatic and ter- pond (it makes a great mulch). Although restrial species around your pond. Ben- During the summer, you may want to you may be tempted to use algaecides on eficial native flower species that you can check the water chemistry of your pond, blanketweed, you will find they provide plant around your pond include joe-pye especially if you have fish. Water loss can only a temporary solution for the prob- weed, cardinal flower, turtlehead, bee- also be a problem during the summer due lem, which requires continuous treat- balm, and black-eyed Susan. Shrubs to evaporation, and additional water may ment. include black chokeberry, buttonbush, need to be added. Keep in mind, how- winterberry, and spicebush. ever, that tap water can contain chlo- rine and other minerals that may harm The Finished Product aquatic life or encourage algae blooms. If Maintenance the deep-water or floating plants in your Once your pond is complete, sit back and pond become overgrown or invasive, you enjoy the magic of water. Watch birds The required maintenance for your pond may need to remove or cut back some to drinking and bathing, see dragonflies and depends on many factors, including the keep the surface of your water at least 30 damselflies racing back and forth, and pond location, whether you use a pump to 40 percent open. watch the miraculous transformation of or a filter, the number of plants you add, egg to tadpole to frog. Water works won- and whether you keep fish. Often a small Finally, during the fall, you may want to ders for wildlife. pond requires more maintenance than a place a net over your pond to catch fall- larger one since larger ponds tend to have ing leaves. This will prevent an excess a more balanced . of decaying leaves in the bottom and Suppliers of Liners, Pumps, lengthen the time between cleanings. Seasonal Maintenance You may also want to cut back the growth and Filters In the winter, both the fish and the float- of any submergent or marginal plants. Check with your local garden store or ing plants in larger ponds can remain plant nursery to see if it also sells equip- as long as the bottom of the pond does Algae ment for backyard ponds. Below are other not freeze. You can add a heater to the Algae are a natural and necessary part sources. pond in the winter. Many types are avail- of a pond ecosystem, but excessive algae able; the size will depend on the pond buildup is a commonly cited complaint Maryland Aquatic size and how deep the water is. Suppliers of many backyard pond owners. Two Jarrettsville, MD of aquatic plants and fish can help you basic algae types may occur in your pond: 410-557-7615 select a heater. If you are unsure whether microscopic plankton, which turn water www.marylandaquatic.com your pond will freeze or don’t want to into a pea soup color, and a type of fila- Large supplier of materials and plants install a heater, you can remove the fish mentous algae (most commonly known and place them in an aquarium for the as blanketweed), which occur in large Ponds, Plants and More winter and store the plants with their mats. A proper balance of submerged and Bentleyville, PA pots in a cool place until spring. floating plants is the best prevention and 724-239-6673 cure for excessive algae problems that www.pondsplantsandmore.com As spring approaches, you may want to turn water green. Restricting your pond Large supplier of pond supplies and plants empty and clean your pond. As plants to a small number of fish also helps pre- die and materials accumulate on the bot- 8

Other retail suppliers: Suppliers of Plants WaterWays Nursery The Pennsylvania Native Plant Society Lovettsville, VA 20180 (www.panativeplantsociety.org) has a 540-822-5994 listing of places in Pennsylvania (and sur- Mail-order supplier of aquatic and mar- rounding states) that sell native species. ginal plants In addition, the Pennsylvania Flora Proj- ect (paflora.org/original) has a search- Lilyblooms Aquatic Gardens able database of native species. North Canton, OH The Pennsylvania Department of Con- 1-800-921-0005 servation and Natural Resources pub- www.lilyblooms.com lication Landscaping with Native Plants Supplier of native and nonnative aquatic in Pennsylvania provides guidelines for plants and supplies, including mail order selecting native plants to use in Pennsyl- vania. It is available free of charge. Call 717-787-3444 to request a copy.

extension.psu.edu Authors Jennifer DeCecco, former Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsyl- wildlife extension assistant, vania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. and Margaret C. Brittingham, Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Extension is professor of wildlife resources implied. This publication is available in alternative media on request. Acknowledgment Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment Partial funding for this fact opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. sheet was provided by Penn- sylvania’s Wildlife Resource Produced by Ag Communications and Marketing Conservation Fund. © The Pennsylvania State University 2016 Code UH160 2/17pod