Hummingbirds require water for bathing and hydration, like any other living creature. However, the sources they acquire these may be slightly different from most birds. In hot and dry climates, the tiny birds would often look for water as the nectar in bird feeders simply does not suffice. “Hummers likely get their dietary or metabolic water from the nectar they drink,” said Curtis Smalling, VP and director of Audubon North Carolina. To help out, homeowners can install misters in their gardens to provide water for hummingbirds. Better if the misters are placed in a strategic location amongst vegetation where the mist accumulates on foliage.
When the mist condenses on the foliage, small puddles are created on the leaves, which the hummers will use to hydrate themselves. Alternatively, water features are also a good bet to attract hummingbirds to drink water from and bathe in. “Moving water is often most attractive,” noted Erik Johnson, PhD, director of conservation science at Audubon Delta. Installing a pump that moves water along a shallow surface or in a cascading motion would be useful. According to Perky Pet, weeping-style fountains, landscape sprinklers, and drippers splashing on a rock are also effective ways to provide a water source for the tiny birds. @HummingbirdSpot shared a detailed video on how to attract the hummers with water.
However, traditional birdbaths are often graced by their presence during migrating seasons, the expert suggested. Hummingbirds do not need a complete soak because they only need light showers to clean their feathers. This can be achieved during rain, near a sprinkler, or in the spray of splashing water. A report by Birds and Blooms suggested setting up a hummingbird birdbath or adding stones to a classic pedestal to make the basin shallower than it usually is. The work here is not done as the bird bath should be regularly maintained while keeping an eye out for the water levels, even refilling when necessary.
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