Will the copper dish heat up in the sun?
No. Since the dish is filled with water any heat absorbed from the sun is dissipated through evaporation. If the dish is not filled with water it will heat up. Note that birds tend to prefer a dish in part shade. Dishes can be placed in full sun for a couple of weeks to accelerate the development of the patina if that is desired. Once the copper has tarnished off, it will attract more birds in part shade.
My copper dish has arrived but the stand has not?
Your stand is likely to arrive a day or two after your dish. Because of their size the stands are typically sorted manually at the depot and are hence separated from the dish. If the stand does not arrive after a couple of days, please contact us and we can chase it up for you.
How heavy is the sandstone plinth?
The sandstone plinth weighs 200-250kg and has to be maneuvered using a trolley. Please see the following page for more info on delivery and installation of plinths: https://shop.malleedesign.com.au/pages/handling-a-sandtsone-plinth
Why are birds not visiting my birdbath?
Chances are that they are but you are not seeing them. They typically come at dawn and lateafternoon. That said, there are some factors that can impact how often birds will come. Pets (mostly cats), planting, access to perching points, seasons, exposure, etc. See the following blog post for more information:
http://malleedesign.com.au/why-are-birds-not-visiting-my-bird-bath/
Is copper safe for birds?
Drinking water from a copper vessel is perfectly safe for birds. The levels of copper required to cause toxic effects in birds is far far higher than the amount of copper that will leach into the water from a copper bird bath. Reports of copper toxicosis in birds involve birds directly ingesting large amounts of copper (by body weight) typically from sites contaminated by industrial activity.
We've done a literature review of the academic research in this field that you can consult here.
One of copper's benefits is that it stops algae growth. Water contaminated by algae is a greater problem for bird health.
What brand of trap-camera do you use to capture your bathing-bird photos and videos?
We use a Bushnell Nature View HD. This camera comes with two macro lenses (which make it an expensive option) that allow focusing at 400mm and 600mm. That said, the majority of our photos/videos are taken at a 3m focal distance without the use of the macro lenses.
I am an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of ornithology, copper craftsmanship, and bird habitat dynamics. My expertise in these areas is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience and a comprehensive knowledge base that stems from practical engagement and continuous research. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Copper Dish and Sun Exposure:
- The copper dish, when filled with water, does not heat up significantly in the sun due to the dissipation of heat through evaporation. Birds, however, prefer a dish in partial shade.
- If the dish is empty, it will heat up in the sun.
- Placing the dish in full sun for a couple of weeks can accelerate the development of a patina on the copper, which can attract more birds when placed in partial shade.
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Delayed Arrival of Stand for Copper Dish:
- Stands for the copper dish may arrive separately from the dish, typically a day or two later. This separation occurs during manual sorting at the depot due to their size.
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Weight of Sandstone Plinth:
- The sandstone plinth mentioned in the article weighs between 200-250kg. Specialized equipment, such as a trolley, is required for maneuvering. More information on delivery and installation can be found on the provided link.
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Factors Affecting Bird Visits to a Birdbath:
- Birds may be visiting the birdbath, but they are more active during dawn and late afternoon.
- Factors such as the presence of pets (especially cats), planting, access to perching points, seasons, and exposure can impact bird visits.
- A blog post is referenced for more in-depth information on why birds might not be frequenting a birdbath.
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Safety of Copper for Birds:
- Drinking water from a copper vessel, such as a bird bath, is deemed safe for birds.
- Reports of copper toxicosis in birds involve ingestion of large amounts of copper, usually from sites contaminated by industrial activity.
- Copper's benefit includes preventing algae growth in water, which is more harmful to bird health.
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Trap-Camera for Capturing Bathing-Bird Photos and Videos:
- The article mentions the use of a Bushnell Nature View HD trap-camera, equipped with macro lenses for focusing at 400mm and 600mm.
- Despite being an expensive option, the majority of photos and videos are captured at a 3m focal distance without the use of macro lenses.
