[va-bird] Re: Mister - Dripper Question

Barbara,

I haven't used a mister or dripper, but there may be some things that you can 
do with your existing water feature to enhance its attractiveness to "shyer" 
birds.  Make there that there is adequate cover around your water feature, many 
birds won't utilize it if it leaves them highly exposed.  A mix of shrubs and 
herbaceous materials will provide habitat structure and "naturalize" the 
feature, perhaps making it more attractive.  If the spillway on your waterfall 
flows too vigorously or deeply this might discourage some birds.  In this case 
careful placement of decorative stone can create shallow flowing areas which 
might entice more birds.

Do you see a variety of warblers in your yard? If so these changes might help, 
if not it may be difficult to attract them to the water feature. 

Good Luck
Steve

Stephen Living
Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries
Wildlife Diversity Division
Watchable Wildlife Biologist
3909 Airline Blvd.
Chesapeake, VA 23321
cell:757.409.2725
fax:757.465.6843
stephen.living@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx






>>> "Barbara Farron" <bfarron@xxxxxxx> 9/26/2006 12:08 PM >>>
Ralph Walls' post about the variety of birds drawn to the mister in his Great 
Falls yard reminded me of questions that I've had for some time.

(1) Which brings more birds to a suburban yard--a mister or a dripper?
(2) How much water does each system use?  

I already have a small artificial goldfish pond and waterfall, which draws the 
usual yard birds.  For reasons unknown to me, less common birds (such as 
warblers) do not come to the pond or waterfall.  Having measured the gallons of 
water from one leaking faucet, I don't want to put in a mister or dripper if 
they use large quantities of water, nor do I want my water bill to increase by 
a huge amount.

I'd really appreciate information from those who have used drippers and/or 
misters.

Thanks,
Barbara Farron
Springfield, VA

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