Greetings
It's summer, it's hot and we worry about the birds so this time I want to share with you the key question I get each Summer concerning bird baths - What kind of birdbath is best?
My answer:
One that is shallow
Your birdbath should be no more than three inches deep at the center. It should be even shallower at the edge, so that a bird can ease its way into the water. Many bird baths sold at garden centers or hardware stores are too deep and require modification. If you already own a deep birdbath, you can put some aquarium gravel or rocks in it to raise the bottom, though this will make it a little harder to keep your birdbath clean.
One with a rough non-slippery bottom.
While drinking or bathing birds do not like to lose their footing, and consequently they will hesitate to use a bath with a glazed, slippery bottom. If you already own a slippery birdbath, you can add a little gravel to reduce slipping or some people have even applied the non-skid stickers that are sold for people-baths.
One with dripping water.
The drip, drip, drip, of falling water is an excellent invitation to birds. Dripping water will vastly increase the number of birds that visit a birdbath. There are many ways to arrange for a drip. For example you can run a hose so that it trickles into the bath; or install a small spray fountain or dripper designed especially for birdbaths.
One that is easy to clean.
You will want to make sure your birdbath easy to clean and refill. In addition make sure you locate your birdbath away from your feeding station, because seeds and droppings would soil the water quickly. Also change the water every few days, and brush out a debris or algae often.
One that can be seen from your favorite location.
After all in addition to helping the birds it is there so you can enjoy watching the birds.
One with an escape route.
Predators like to lie in wait beneath shrubbery or behind a concealing object and then pounce on the birds when they're wet and can't fly well. So put your birdbath at least five to ten feet from such hiding places. Probably the best location would be under some branches that hang down within two or three feet of the bath. A wet bird can flutter a few feet up to the safety of the leaves.
Take these few suggestions into account and sit back and enjoy the variety of birds your birdbath will attract. I know we do . . .
John
