Thirsty Birds

For the past 10 years I have been servicing swimming pools in the San Fernando Valley area. Lately, I have been finding an unusually high number of birds in the bottom of pools or caught in the skimmer. I feel that it’s directly related to the amount of water we’ve been saving, by not allowing excess runoff into the streets. How many times have you seen birds bathing in a puddle of water or drinking from a sprinkler head? These sources have been shut off to the birds and some are finding that their only alternative is to try to get their water from a swimming pool.

Whether you’re a pool owner or not, I hope you will find it in your hearts to do something about this. A shallow bowl or a tray, placed on your back wall or picnic table, kept filled with fresh water throughout the summer will save many birds.

LUCY INNUSO, Tujunga