Is there a reason why a sparrow/dunnock would prefer would prefer a muddy bath?

[DMF235-Belfast]

Afternoon all, just wanted too ask, is there a reason why one would prefer a muddy water bath? I had as per instructions used the shallow water bath provided with the feeder and it regularly needed cleaning from foreign bodeis in it from birds/feed etc. Unfortuinately it had arrived cracked and ultimately didnt last long... so i put out a plastic microwave bowl with some water in it, but like the other one it never got much attention (never saw any)

on sunday one of the brownish ground birds was over at an old garden ornament only about 2 yards from the feeder (which was at a slant) it then returned twice to have a bath in it even though there a thick layer of muddy goo under the water (decomped leaves i imagine) and the water wasnt clean either, so I went out gave it a decent clean, returned it too its slanty position and put fresh water in.... and I havent seen it back at it since..... was it after the mud for a reason? warmth coat or something? doubt itd be good for teh feathers/flying

cheers

[Cowgirl]

Not sure DM maybe the bath was just in the right position for optimum bathing? As you have cleaned it out it may take a while for them to come back as it is now obvious that something has been there. I wouldn't worry tho, something similar happened to me at work.

I set up feeders/bath etc but I never saw any bathing activity. One day however I glanced out and saw a massive disturbance, turns out a lid had blown off a dustbin a few yards away & the sparrows, starlings, blackbirds & Robin were have a whale of a time! The lid was green, slimy & full of leaves. I did what you did, cleaned it out & never saw another bird! However I perservered, emptying & filling it everyday & eventually they all returned. It's a regular stop off point now (you can almost time their arrival) for the local sparrows & I see the robins & Blackbirds use it as well. I get the guilt trip in summer as it often dries up over the weekend so on the monday I see loads of sparrows hopping about forlonly untill I fill it then it's all in boys

Maybe in time they'll return to your ornament. Good luck

[DMF235-Belfast]

Cheers
sorry meant to update this one yesterday evening
i'm assured that they and a robin were having a go at it yesterday... though as per usual with being in work during the day I've yet too see it

yey... 1 more thing i've too keep clean

[actionfinch]

i cleaned my bird bath out yesterday , and looking into it im sure the pigeons and magpies and doves use it as a toilet..