Every child knows that running under a sprinkler or
being sprayed by a water hose is a fun way to cool
off on a hot summer day. Cool water always makes the
summer's heat tolerable and even enjoyable. You can
offer the same relief from the heat to the birds in
your backyard!
By installing a simple bird bath, you will make your
yard more attractive while also being able to enjoy
the pleasure of watching a large variety of birds
playing and splashing around in the cool pool of
water.
Your new bird bath doesn't need to be expensive. It
can be as simple as a shallow pan filled with water
placed on your lawn. Or if you want to go all out,
you can build or purchase an exquisite concrete
bird bath complete with fountain. Or you can choose
something in between. The choice is yours and the
birds won't care how much you spend. They'll love
whatever you provide for them to bathe and play in.
There are a few things to consider when you place a
bird bath on your lawn or in your garden. Birds prefer
shallow water (no more than 1-2 inches). If the water
is deeper than that they will avoid it out of fear.
Also, the bottom of the bird bath should have a fairly
rough surface. Birds feel more comfortable when they
have a solid footing.
You should also place your bird bath in an open area
of your lawn or garden. Predators such as cats like
to hide in shrubs and foliage waiting for an
opportunity to catch birds unaware. Birds prefer to
have a clear view of the surrounding area so that
they can keep an eye out for danger.
If you follow these suggestions, you'll have lots of
birds that are eager to take advantage of your new
bird bath!
After you have found the most appropriate location
for your bird bath and installed it, you can then
concentrate on attracting the birds to it. Having a
ready supply of food nearby is an excellent way to
attract your feathered friends. If you keep a
well-stocked birdfeeder near the bird bath they will
eat their fill and then splash around in the water
for a few minutes.
The sound of splashing water will also help attract
birds to your bird bath. You should consider using a
fountain with your bird bath (a simple water hose set
to a fine mist will do). Also, if you water your lawn
or garden, keeping the sprinkler set to a fine mist
will make an attractive sound to entice birds from
near and far.
Always be sure to keep the bird bath clean. Dirt and
waste can make birds sick. Also, birds need a steady
supply of clean, cool water in order to remain
healthy. Re-supply the bird bath with fresh water
often during the hot summer months. Water evaporates
quickly and it is splashed away to the ground by the
birds. If possible, place your bird bath near some
tree branches. If a tree is nearby, the birds will
play in the branches after bathing, providing lots
of enjoyment for you as well as for them!
Your new bird bath will be a wonderful addition to
your lawn and garden in the winter time as well as
the summer. Although most plants go dormant in the
winter, birds continue to need a water source and
many local streams and ponds may well be frozen over
and not provide the water they need in order to
survive and remain healthy. Also, there are different
species of birds around in the winter time as opposed
to the summer. Be sure to keep your bird bath free of
ice and filled with water during cold weather. The
water is useless to birds if it is only available as
a block of ice!
A bird bath will add beauty to your lawn and provide
year after year of pleasure, for you as well as for
your feathered friends!
A variety of containers are suitable for use as a bird bath:
Garbage Can Lids: Set the lid in a shallow depression to prevent overturning, then partially fill with small rocks and stones and add water.
Logs: Chisel out a shallow area on top of the log, then sand smooth, and add water. This is a very natural looking bird bath feature to add to any landscape.
Clay Pot Saucers: Set beneath a large plant or shrub, or positioned on top of an upturned clay pot, these shallow saucers make ideal bird baths.
Pie Plate: To make a hanging bird bath, set a ceramic, deep-dish pie plate on top of a hanging basket.
More Bird Bath Tips
Depth: Water in a bird bath should be no deeper than three inches.
Height: Bird baths may be placed on the ground, on a raised pedestal or hung from a branch a few feet off the ground. Ground level baths have the added benefit of providing water for many small mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. However, bathing birds are extremely vulnerable to predators. If cats are in or around your yard, your bird bath should be raised above the ground.
Dripping Water: Nothing attracts birds as quickly as dripping water. Some bird baths have fountains, but a water drip can be made easily. Take a plastic bottle or tin can and make a hole with a nail in the bottom or along the side just above the bottom. Attach the container to a branch several feet above the branch and fill it with water. This should provide a slow steady drip that will attract birds to your bath. Once they have found the bath, they should continue to visit it even when the water isn't dripping.
Care: Keep your bird bath filled with clean, fresh water at all times. A reliable source of water is important for attracting birds. Dump the water out and refill it every couple of days. Use a brush to remove any algae that may have grown. Never use any chemicals to control algae.
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Much better quality than its plastic counterparts, this faux stone bird bath is also a better choice than some real stone models. Lightweight yet substantial, it has a classic shape and realistic details - a textured surface and grainy stone color - along a base that can be filled with sand or water for ballast.
Patricia's Pots has detailed free instructions for making this beautiful Terra Cotta Bird Bath from clay pots.
Clay Pot Saucers: Set beneath a large plant or shrub, or positioned on top of an upturned clay pot, these shallow saucers make ideal bird baths. 
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