As fall temperatures begin dropping, gardeners are busy preparing flower beds, protecting tender plants, and putting away outdoor equipment. However, one backyard feature often gets overlooked during seasonal cleanup: the birdbath. That shallow basin that attracted robins, cardinals, and other feathered visitors throughout summer needs attention before freezing temperatures arrive.
Learning how to clean birdbaths before winter can help protect visiting birds from contaminated water while preventing expensive damage to your outdoor decorations. According to the National Wildlife Federation, birds continue needing access to water during colder months, even when snow and ice cover the ground. With a few inexpensive supplies and some basic maintenance, you can prepare your birdbath for winter without spending much money.