I have a large heated bird bath, and three unheated ones. It really is more important to provide water for birds than food. It's also important to keep water and food stations clean. I clean my water stations every time I refill. 

Love the birds! 

It's summer time here in the desert, and I also want to point out that its good to have a bird water bath available all year round, whereas the food you don't necessarily need to put out during the summer months, when for some birds, their diet changes from nut and the like to incects. 

So, hot weather means get more water out for the birdies.  

I agree, many people forget about the birds needing a ready supply of clean water for drinking and bathing, all year round. My neighbours concentrate on putting out feed, so I keep our bird-bath topped up instead. It is a metal basin on a stand, which is high enough to discourage predators like cats, and is also quite shallow which means the birds feel safe. Also, since it is above the ground, any ice in winter soon melts, once the sun is up.

A bonus for photographers is that a bird-bath provides many photo opportunities. 

Confusing because the birds that I know won't drink water, unless there is a large Whiskey added to it.

And where do you guys find these birds prepared to let you take photo's of them in the bath Edward?

Oh well, such is life! lol

I have a fresh supply of water daily for the birds,its nice to observe the antics whether feeding or bathing.

One thing i never do is feed them -there is plenty of seeds,berries,and insects this time of year -i may throw some broken biscuits soaked in      fat when it is really bad weather,a lot of people throw bread out -that is the worst thing you can do it bungs their intestine up.

Not too many of those flying around here James, thankfully.  

Mind you ostriches can't fly anyway!! hehehe