One of the great joys of having a birdbath in my yard is witnessing the variety of visitors it attracts. It’s not just birds that come for a drink—sometimes, a curious squirrel sneaks in for a sip as well! Over the past few weeks, I’ve captured some special moments of wildlife enjoying the birdbath in my yard here in Arkansas. Each species has its own unique way of interacting with the water, and it’s fascinating to see these different behaviors up close.
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is always a welcome sight. With its brilliant blue feathers and gentle demeanor, it adds a splash of color to any day. I recently photographed one standing delicately on the edge of my birdbath, pausing for a refreshing drink. Bluebirds are fairly common around here, but I never tire of seeing them. Their need for fresh water is just as great as their need for nesting sites, and providing both in your yard can go a long way in helping them thrive.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
The Eurasian Collared-Dove, with its soft cooing and gentle nature, is another regular at the birdbath. I captured a photo of one standing on the edge, calmly sipping water. These doves are graceful, and though they are not native to the U.S., they’ve certainly made themselves at home here in Arkansas. They’re not shy about stopping by for a drink, and their presence always brings a sense of peace to the yard.
House Finch
House Finches are energetic and social birds, and I often see them flitting around my yard in small groups. One particular finch decided to perch at the birdbath for a drink, and I managed to catch the moment. With their distinctive red coloring (on the males, at least), House Finches are always fun to photograph. They often stop by in the morning for a drink, before heading off to their next adventure.
Fox Squirrel
It’s not just birds that appreciate the water—Fox Squirrels do, too! This mischievous little fellow climbed up to the edge of the birdbath for a drink, completely oblivious to my camera. Fox Squirrels are regulars in my yard, and while they usually forage for acorns or raid the bird feeders, it was a treat to see one stop for a sip of water. Squirrels need water just as much as the birds, especially during the warmer months when natural water sources can be scarce.
Why Birdbaths Matter
These photos are a reminder of how important a clean, accessible water source is for wildlife. Whether it’s birds or squirrels, they all need water for drinking and, in the case of the birds, for bathing. A well-maintained birdbath offers these creatures a much-needed reprieve, especially during hot Arkansas days.
If you’re thinking about adding a birdbath to your yard, make sure to check out my recent post, “Birds and Water: Why Your Birdbath is Essential (with Tips!)”, where I go into more detail about the benefits of having one and offer tips on keeping it clean.
Have you noticed different species visiting your birdbath? I’d love to hear what’s stopping by in your yard. Feel free to share in the comments below!
Hey, Steve. In addition to birds and squirrels, I regularly have Gray Foxes and Groundhogs come drink from a birdbath I placed on the ground. I read on iNaturalist that groundhogs don’t drink water – they get their moisture from the foods they eat. I can tell you that’s not true for the Groundhogs on my property!
Lucky you to have Foxes coming around! Interesting about the groundhogs and water. You need to get a photo of the groundhog drinking from the birdbath.