I agree they often wait until late afternoon or dusk to come for a drink. I have a wide, shallow plant pot balanced on the corner of my raised pond, with a stone in the centre, and I don’t see many birds using it in the daytime.
I’m always pleased when a pair of goldfinches come down for a drink, as I don’t usually see them otherwise. I’ve also had a young fox quench his thirst too!
Another Tired Kicking For The Sick And Disabled By Rishi