The thing in the middle of the bird bath is a water wiggler.
Water Wiggler
My reason for purchasing it was to keep the bird bath from freezing but it isn’t great for that. If it’s just a light freeze, it keeps the water from freezing. If it’s a medium freeze, there will be a pretty thick layer of ice but the center doesn’t freeze so I can remove the water wiggler, then pick up the whole sheet of ice and toss it. If it’s a hard freeze . . probably less than about 22º, the entire thing freezes . . water wiggler and all.
It is solar powered so it recharges itself. It does keep the water moving and that helps to keep mosquitoes from hatching in the water.
I recommend it for keeping the mosquito population down and for keeping the water from freezing during light freezes but if you’re looking for something to keep bird baths from freezing during really cold temps, this isn’t going to do it.
The other question — the sweater. Yes, it’s a test knit for Laura Aylor. I will let you know when the pattern is available. Sorry for not providing that info in this morning’s post.
Sharon in Michigan says
Thanks for the info on the water wriggler…..could use one myself for my bird bath. I didn’t know such a thing existed.
JudyL says
I didn’t know either til one of my blog readers told me during the winter. Learn something new every day, huh?
Carol says
We’ve had a Water Wiggler for several years–for mosquitos. Our winters are too cold for it to help much and we are only about 250 mi north east of you. We use a heater in winter that lays in there and connected to extension cord. Bought all at Wild Birds. Really does help the birds in winter.
AmyM says
I have a wiggler, looks just like that except mine is not solar powered ( batteries)… that is so cool.
It said not only to prevent mosquitos but the birds are supposed to like the movement better. Who knows. They use the birdbath… either way. LOL