Birds can be a joy to watch as they flutter and sing about your property. Adding a birdbath is a treat for you and your favorite feathery friends. Birds need water to survive, both for drinking and bathing. Besides, birds naturally love water, so watching them play in a birdbath can also bring you delight.
There are three basic types of birdbaths: the pedestal, the dish, and the heated birdbath. The pedestal birdbath is a classical design; it usually stands 3-4 feet above the ground. These baths come in many different styles and materials. Some pedestal birdbaths are also bubblers and small fountains, where the moving water attracts the birds even more! A dish birdbath is typically a shallow bowl or saucer. You can adjust the bowl's height by placing it on a table, a fence, or steps. Heated birdbaths are a great idea for cold climates. Melting the snow can take a lot of effort on the part of the bird, and birds will willingly visit a water source that is present year-round.
Birds are often forced to get water from anywhere they can find it, including puddles, ponds, and even the morning dew. Adding a birdbath to your setting can invite wild birds, giving them a safe place to drink and bathe. Birds, once they find this feature, will frequently return. If you create an artificial pond for your property, you are sure to attract birds, but a birdbath is a good solution when you do not have the time, money, or space to add a pond. A popular birdbath is one with a shallow basin. Birds are very comfortable in this type of bath, and they require little maintenance as well. Birds will feel safe wading into the shallow bowl. It is best to make sure the water is no more than three inches deep, and a textured surface is safest for birds so they have secure footing. Also, adding a dripper to the birdbath can be very rewarding for attracting more birds, as they love moving water.
When choosing how and where to place your birdbath, you must consider where birds feel safest and put your birdbath accordingly. When birds get wet, they cannot fly very fast, so a birdbath should be placed near a possible “escape route” like a tree or shrub, where a bird can easily go if startled. A pedestal birdbath offers a better level of security for birds. It sits higher off the ground. You could also invest in a hanging birdbath. These are great for hanging down from a tree and offering more bird stability!
When placing your birdbath, also consider its view. Allowing the birds to feel secure is important, but what is the point in having a birdbath if you cannot view it and enjoy the merry birds! Consider placing it in a safe location that can be viewed from a kitchen or office window. It is also a good idea to place the birdbath where the hose can easily reach it to fill it up. When maintaining a birdbath, it is best to check it for water often. In hot weather, it may need to be filled daily. You should dump the basin or rinse it out with a strong stream of water from the hose. You can also use a bird-safe cleaner to weekly remove debris or residue. This will keep your fountain in good condition and the water from becoming stagnant.
Birdbaths are a great accessory for your garden. They attract beautiful wildlife and add a focal point. Choose one that works for your setting!