Add A Touch of Charm to Your Garden with Bird Baths and Fountains

Always include a clean source of water when constructing a wild bird habitat. The sound of moving water is guaranteed to attract birds. Clean, fresh water is a priority for wild birds when searching for a suitable habitat. The calming sounds of flowing water is relaxing for you, but the birds around you will be love you for providing a place for a cool drink or bath.

There are many ways to create running water in your backyard. Among the most popular is the installation of a bird bath. There are many varieties of bird baths available made from die cast cement, mosaic tile, ceramic, plastic, and even glass. When choosing a bird bath, the basin should never be more than three inches deep with sides shallow enough for the birds to stand in. If you happen to have a deeper bird bath, you can always fill the bottom with gravel or small rocks.

A bird bath that features a wide rim or a flat landing surface will attract more wild birds. Most birds are able to land on narrow surfaces but they are more comfortable on wider surfaces. If birds are comfortable at your bird bath they are more likely to hang around.

Bird baths with running water are more advantageous and healthful to the birds than those without running water. This is because mosquitoes use stagnant water for breeding. Stagnant water invites bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to your birds as well as other wildlife in your yard. Having running water can attract more birds of different species, while also discouraging the breeding of mosquitoes, viruses and bacteria.

Adding movement to the water in your bird bath is easy with a fountain or dripper. Several models of bird bath fountains are solar powered and will work in almost any bird bath. If your using a solar powered bird bath your fountain will have to be placed in the sunlight.

Bird bath fountains will attract many species of wild birds including some that drink without landing. While using a bird bath fountain is beneficial it may increase evaporation. So make sure you fill your bird bath often. In some areas you may attract more wildlife than just birds. Squirrels, deer and large birds like turkeys have been seen drinking directly from bird baths.

Living in a cold climate requires that use of a bird bath heater in the winter. When choosing a bird bath heater you will have to decide between electric and solar powered. Both are safe and keep the water thawed during the coldest months. You can also use chemical additives but make sure they are safe for birds and plant based.

Cleaning your bird bath between fillings will keep the water in the dish fresh and clean. Clean water is important to the heath of the birds and wildlife drinking from it. Never use soap to clean your bird bath just water and a good stiff brush. Adding a drop or two of white vinegar to the water will help keep the water clean with no ill effects to the birds.

Using multiple bird baths is a great way to attract more birds. Try using pedestal baths, ground level baths and even deck mount baths to attract a wider variety of wild bird species. You will truly enjoy the sounds of moving water in your yard and the birds that are attracted.