All About Bird Baths
Birdbaths are an attraction for many different types of birds. They bring birds to your garden, especially during the summer and drought. Often, fresh, clean water is very hard for birds to find. A birdbath in your garden or yard will make a bird's day, offering them a fresh drink and bath. Many times, baby birds are brought to birdbaths. Providing a reliable water source year-round, bird baths will attract more types of birds than bird feeders. Many people don't know that birds such as wrens, catbirds, and waxwings that eat insects or fruit won't visit bird feeders. So, in addition to attracting bluebirds and robins, you will also attract birds that even your feeder will not bring for a visit. Birds splashing in your birdbath will also attract other birds and increase the types of birds visiting you.
A traditional birdbath is often composed of concrete or glazed terra cotta. Usually in two pieces, a base and a bowl, birdbaths are easy to assemble and enjoy in no time. When in two pieces, the bowl often has an indentation upon which it will sit and "lock" into place to keep the bird bath together. The good part about birdbaths is that they are versatile and can be very plain or decorative.
There are things to consider when looking for the perfect birdbath for your outdoor area. Birds like to have a place to perch when they arrive. Birdbaths should always be shallow enough to avoid the risk of birds drowning. Most birdbaths are manufactured with this in mind, but if not, frequently check the water levels after large rainstorms to ensure they are appropriate. If you prefer a much lower maintenance method, you can place clean stones inside the bowl, allowing birds to perch inside the birdbath and not just on the edge. Birds sometimes have what is referred to as binocular vision and have poor depth perception, and will not visit a birdbath if they are concerned it is too deep for their safety. Adding clean rocks or stones inside the birdbath can provide a haven for even these types of birds. You can also lean a flat rock against the birdbath rim, allowing birds to enter the water gradually.
Birds like birdbaths that are free of predators, such as cats. An open location where birds can see the surrounding area is also important. Once a bird's feathers and wings are wet, it has difficulty flying, so providing about two feet of open space around a birdbath allows them to see danger and enough time to escape if necessary.
It is important to keep in mind that your birdbath will require regular maintenance. It can be as simple as a daily quick refill or wash, but it will depend on the composition of the birdbath. There are adverse effects on a bird's health when they drink water with excrement, algae, or fungi, so fresh water is very important. One of the most important things about birdbath placement is putting it in an area where you can see it from indoors. Viewing animals enjoying your birdbath will make it very worthwhile, and the sight of it will provide you, as well, with a splash of happiness.