Finding the Right Bird Bath

We all love to have wild birds visiting our gardens and one method to encourage this is to include a bird bath. Look around at the range of styles and shapes on offer. There are pedestal bird baths, bird baths with fountains, hanging bird baths and even heated bird baths.

So how do you find the right bird bath for your garden?

Firstly take a look at your garden, its size, style and character. You should try to find a bird bath that compliments your landscape, a large bird bath in a small suburban back yard will not look right, just as a small bird bath will get lost in a large landscaped garden. A modern design will give a jarring note in a rustic country garden.

The main aim of your bird bath is to attract birds to your garden, so above all it must be enticing to them. Consider the needs of the types of birds you are hoping to attract. Small birds will appreciate a narrow lip on which to perch and a slightly rough surface to provide a secure grip. They will also prefer to be able to look down from the bath to keep an eye out for predators, so a pedestal bath is probably the best bet for these. Larger birds prefer to drink and bathe close to the ground.

While a simple bird bath is easy and cheaper to install, consider adding a fountain or other means to provide water movement in the bird bath. A water spray or bubbler will be appreciated by visiting birds and has the added benefit of reducing algae growth and unwanted insects in the bath. Solar powered fountains are an economical way to add a fountain to your bird bath.

Cleanliness is important for your bird bath as well. Just as we prefer fresh water, birds appreciate clean water for drinking and bathing. A bird bath with ornate mosaic tiling will be difficult to keep clean, for example.

If you live in a cool or cold climate, you may need to consider providing heating for your bird bath to prevent the water from freezing. Alternatively those of us lucky enough to live in a climate zone where winter is not a problem will probably need to consider how to cope with increased evaporation from the bath in the summer. Making sure your bird bath has a large capacity will help overcome this particular problem.

So consider these points carefully before you make your choice and you¿ll find your local bird population will thank you by putting in many appearances in just your back yard!

Explore the bird accessories on Bob Shop.