HASSO HERING

A perspective from Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley

When watering concrete is not a waste

Written August 22nd, 2023 by Hasso Hering

Normally you’d be wasting water if your sprinkler wets the concrete sidewalk instead of the grass. But not always.

Not, for example, when a bunch of little tweedy birds takes advantage of the chance to get a drink. And maybe a quick shower.

The nine in the photo were part of a larger flock of tiny birds, which I’m reasonably sure are bushtits.

Sorry if this sounds off-color or otherwise offensive. It wasn’t I who was in charge of naming birds back in day.

Anyway, these little fellows, if we can call them that, were having fun in the sprinkler for just a few seconds. They travel in flocks, and they never stay anywhere for much longer than an instant.

The scene was only a block or two from the Calapooia River. So these birds probably have access to plenty of water and likely were not bothered by thirst. They can get a sip anytime they want.

Still, when there hasn’t been a good rain for months, they could not pass up the sidewalk puddles on this Albany street. (hh)





4 responses to “When watering concrete is not a waste”

  1. Cap B. says:

    Great picture, Hasso, and article. It is uplifting in these trying times to see that picture.
    Thanks.

  2. CHEZZ says:

    I placed 5 birdbaths in my yard this year for our bird friends. And, food for Mr. Squirrel and Miss Tiny Squirrel, as well as a hanging and ground bird feeder. They give me songs of happiness!

  3. chris j says:

    Birds prefer small watering holes like bird bathes and such for multiple reasons. They are like little kiddos that play in the puddles when it rains. Simple joy at it’s best. Awesome photo!

  4. Richard Vannice says:

    The water on the sidewalk is possibly cooler than the river and they took advantage of that.

 

 
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