If you see a nuttylady… 

…riding a bike in frigid weather, dressed like this…it might be me!

I’ve had such a good time since I began riding a bike again this summer, I sometimes venture out for a quick ride even in this cold, cold, cold weather. I always hear the music accompanying Elvira Gulch’s bike riding from the “Wizard of Oz,” inside my head as I pedal along. It’s even easier to laugh at myself when attired in the get-up you see above.

I love to feed the birds. Even in winter, their need for fresh water is important, they must drink and bathe daily. When I have a cup of coffee or tea I add extra water to the kettle and pour it into the birdbath when it boils. It’s a great idea, but ONLY if your birdbath is metal or another unbreakable material. Cement will crack, and resin might too. Another alternative is to use a plastic or aluminum pan or dish that will not break when water freezes, and place that in a high spot somewhere outdoors. The birds will thank you. Check out the great ideas below.

Postscript: Check water temperature with fingertips as ice melts, it only takes a minute for the ice to cool the boiling water down to a tepid degree. Leaving too soon might result in scalded birdie feet.

Ecosystem Gardening-Water for Birds

How to Provide Water for Birds in Winter