Birdbaths

Give the Birds a Bath & Make it fun!

A bird bath can be as simple as a depression in a rock, or as sophisticated as a properly designed cascading pool.

What is the easiest for birds to use and will also give you a wonderful show all year?

A birdbath should be:

        Shallow - basically about 1" of water is enough.  Think about the size of a hummingbird, finch or warbler, they do not feel comfortable in deeper water.

        Safe – Birds are most vulnerable after a bath.  Predators quickly learn that the bath is a great place for a quick meal.  Place the bath so that birds can get to quick cover (a dense hedge or an overhanging branch).

        Texture – Just like us, bird need a little surface texture to get a sure footing.

        Clean – You will be surprised how quickly debris builds up in the birdbath.  Hose it out everyday and clean it once a week to keep algae from building up. 

        Location – Try for early morning sun and afternoon shade.

 The addition of noise, while not necessary, will draw in great numbers of birds and more species.  It is believed that the sound of a creek or stream is how birds find their water sources.

A mister, dripper or pump can add the unique sound that birds love.

There are commercially available products that can be added to a birdbath or you can make something yourself.

Misters, create a fine mist, and hummingbirds are particularly attracted to this action and sound.  Other birds are drawn to a mist too.

Drippers regulate the flow of water from a particular point into the birdbath.  This flow can be regulated with a valve. This is an economical way to supply sound and replenish water.

A circulating pump can be used to create a small waterfall or stream.

Farm Innovators Heated Bird Bath with Ground - Green  

Don't forget if you get freezing winters, you can really help the birds, by providing a regular source of open, clean water by  using a bird bath de-icer or birdbath heater.

This ground bath has a built in heater.  A thermostat control prevents freezing and saves energy on warmer days. Ground-level bath has a 3 footed stand for stability Deck-mount bath clamps to any 2 x 2 or 2 x 4 railing.

  Ice Eliminator Birdbath De-Icer

 I've a Bath Heater and De-Icer forever it seems.  It has served me well and has fit in many a bird bath I have owned. The thermostat keeps water at 40-50 degrees. Heater shuts off automatically in 60 seconds when operated out of water.

Four Season Heated Oasis On Ground Bird Bath

Not only do the birds love this bath, but my dog, Kestrel, prefers this to her dog bowl and it also provides her with unfrozen water in the winter.

70 Watts of Power, Textured Sand Coated Oasis with Concealed Heating Element Enclosed Cord tucks away during off season - hidden from sight Thermostatically controlled to operate only when necessary .

Water Lily Bird Bath

Click here for more Birdbath Recommendations.

Ideas for providing water for birds in your yard.

  Copper Solar-Powered Recalculating Birdbath

There are many great reasons to invest in a bath of this nature.

It has a separate solar cell that powers a quiet, hidden pump to keep water recalculated and filtered for freshness, providing a stagnation-free, birdbath.

Circulating water helps to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Misty Bird Bath Blue 12

  This one has a built in mister! - Cool!

  Hummingbird Bird Bath

  Limestone Oakleaf Hanging Birdbath

  14-inch Bird Bath Deck/Pole - Heated

  Scalloped All Season Plastic Heated Bird Bath, Deck Mountable by Farm Innovators

 

 Solar Birdbath Fountain

 

  Cat Bird Bath

  Leaf Metal Bird Bath