While some animals can extract enough water from the food they eat, many species require standing water for survival. If you provide a regular supply of clean water, particularly during dry periods, you will be well rewarded.
Depending on the available space your water supply may be as small as a bird bath, which can attract significant numbers of birds, up to the size of a dam. A small pond can provide habitat for a range of fauna including frogs, dragonflies and perhaps even native fish (sourced from reputable suppliers, NOT from the wild). In general, the larger the resource, the greater the number of species you are likely to attract.
If you are starting small, with a bird bath you are either buying or making yourself – please ensure it has the following features:
• A rough surface so the birds do not slip (avoid glazed bird baths), together with a graded slope into the water. If glazed, ensure suitable rocks are included to enable access for smaller species.
• Depth of 40-75mm, as birds will both drink and bathe.
• Position in the shade to help the water stay fresh, with perching opportunities by and/or into the bath, for small species.
• Can be positioned on the ground, but if cats have access to the site ~900mm above ground with dense cover available close by.
• Dense spikey plants located close to the bath, will enable small species to escape to safety when threatened.
Please remember it may take the birds a little time to find your water offering, so be patient.