A little more than two inches of fresh snow fell in Estes Park this first week of January, with even deeper snow totals at higher elevations.

Although many birds migrate out of the Estes Valley during the winter, the ones that remain, like pine siskins, house finches, mountain chickadees, pygmy nuthatches, American crows, Steller’s jays and black-billed magpies, still need water.

Yes, the flakes that fell this week are a form of water, but it takes heat to melt that snow into a drinkable form. Birds will do that to hydrate, but expending energy in winter — like to melt snow — is a dangerous proposition for animals needing to conserve every ounce of energy possible.

Dry climates like Colorado, along with the strong winter winds common in Estes Valley, can zap out what little humidity is in the air.

Add the cold temperatures, which average about 15 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in January in Estes Valley, and finding water that isn’t frozen is a difficult task for birds.

To solve the challenge and help the birds, consider leaving out not just a birdbath but one that keeps the water moving. The movement in the water prevents ice from forming, like an aerator in a lake. The moving water may also be more visible to birds from above.

If the birdbath has a small waterfall or fountain feature, the gurgling sound may also help birds find the water when flying overhead. The moving water also prevents insects, like mosquitoes, from laying eggs in the water, a feature that can make the birdbath a year-round option.

Keeping the water ice-free can also give birds water to bathe, although they should not in subzero temperatures as ice can form on their wings. Icy wings make flying difficult and may even cause birds to not extend their wings until the ice melts.

To prevent birds from bathing in the water, place large, dark rocks in the bottom of a shallow birdbath. The dark rocks will heat up in the sunshine and help keep the water warmer and give the birds a place to perch from to drink.

If the birdbath is still deep enough for a bird to stand in the water or even bathe, put some sticks across the top of the birdbath. The birds can use the sticks to perch and drink. The sticks also prevent the birds from bathing.

Another option is to place a small piece of wire grate across the top of the birdbath, but this needs to be low enough to allow birds to stand on it and drink the water, but not so deep as to allow the birds to submerge in the water.

Submersible heaters are also available for birdbaths. To prevent shorts, make sure the power cord does not have any fraying or cracks, and that it is free of snow buildup. It should also have a ground fault circuit interrupter to prevent shorts.

Adding a small solar panel to power the heater reduces the need for the birdbath to be near an outlet or to have extension cords that could be a tripping hazard on a deck or porch.

Do not add any chemicals or additives to the water to keep it from freezing as many can be dangerous for the birds to ingest.

Finally, placing the water in a sunny location can also help keep the water from freezing.

Remember that any birdbath should be cleaned regularly — even in winter — to prevent mold or the congregation of mosquitos. Mosquitos are vectors for diseases that affect birds, including West Nile Virus and avian malaria. Although the insects are not an issue in winter, cleaning is a good habit to get into for attractive and safe birdbaths all year.

Concrete, stone and porcelain birdbaths are also susceptible to cracking in winter because water can seep into the porous surface or small cracks. As water freezes, it expands, which can cause further cracking. Resin, plastic and metal are viable options that can withstand winter temperatures. Make sure the birdbath has enough weight to it to withstand the winter winds of the Estes Valley, and those winds don’t work well with glass birdbaths.

A shallow, heated dish can be all that is needed to attract your feathered friends for a drink.

It is a joy to see birds throughout the year. Having a birdbath in a visible location that provides the right needs for the birds can be a win-win opportunity for you and your avian friends.