This summer’s drought brought that statement home in a real way. We keep six different water stations in the yard throughout the summer. I learned how important that was our first year here. I kept gallon jugs of water just outside the pole barn, I used those to fill the chicken waterers.
One morning I went to collect a couple, and found them all full of holes and smashed. It was a bear letting me know I needed to share, so I did. Now I put various sized containers all over the yard. Every manner of critter comes not just to drink. I saw one very large bear trying to take a bath in the 15-gallon bucket, he was so happy, even though he didn’t quite fit.
The birds flock to the water dishes so it is frustrating when freezing temps force me to take them in. This year there was a warm stretch after the hard freeze. A little chickadee found water in a small little cup at the top of a ladder. As the temps dropped again it turned to ice. I saw him pecking at it. So me being me, I went out with hot water and thawed it. I spent the next mornings making my tea first and then filling his little dish.
He started bringing his friends. Then the squirrels found it. A heated waterer was inevitable. Now we just need them to trust it’s safe and not going to eat them. Easier said than done. We will see how well it does with our winters. We have seen 50 below on the thermometer more than once. I have a feeling I will be sharing my water for tea all winter, which I am more than happy to do.
May you always fit in your bathtub.
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