Where you locate your birdbath is very important for birds’ safety as well as cleanliness issues. Here are some suggestions for placing your birdbath in the best spot, as well as maintaining it wisely.
Position it where you can see it, and close to overhanging tree branches or next to a shrub to provide a quick escape from any possible predators. At the same time, leave enough open area for a clear view of any approaching danger. If your shrub has low hanging branches that touch the ground, either choose a different spot, or prune the low branches so predators cannot hide there!
Shrubs and/or close branches provide a place for birds to quickly preen and dry their feathers. A wet bird is a slow-flying bird, and thus an easy target. Further, a shrub or tree becomes a place for birds to gather safely while waiting for their turn at the birdbath!
Place your birdbath in a shaded area during hot summer months to help keep the water cooler and fresher. Conversely, in the wintertime relocate it to a sunny spot to aid in maintaining an ice-free area for the birds. You might want to consider an inexpensive low-voltage water heater. Just make sure it is properly rated for safety. Also, there are birdbaths available with built-in heaters. Please note that it’s best to judge how easily your birdbath can be moved before you buy it!
Avoid using birdbaths that have slippery surfaces when wet. Cement is naturally slightly rough. If your bird bath has a slippery surface, you can do as I have done in the past. I add one or 2 clean, flat rocks to the bottom of my bath to give the birds a place to “wade in”. This also makes a good gripping surface. Birds don’t like a slippery tub any more than we do!
The level of water is very important. Fill your bath with no more than 2 to 3 inches of clean water. Any more than that and the birds will either avoid it, or risk drowning. Maintain a clean birdbath. Don’t let algae, dirt, droppings, leaves, etc. accumulate in the water. Would you want to take a bath in that stuff? Additionally, that’s the kind of dirty water mosquitoes love. Mosquitoes have an average 7-day cycle from larvae to adult. Make sure you discard old water and replace it with fresh before those nasty varmints become the flying menaces we all hate!
Moving or dripping water is a true magnet for attracting birds to your bird bath. You can make your own dripper. Clean out a gallon jug and poke a hole in the bottom. I have used this method and it works very well. Use a large nail to make a hole in the bottom edge on the opposite side of the handle. Use a shepherd’s hook or sturdy tree branch from which to hang your dripper directly over the bath. Fill the jug with clean, cool water and hang. Check for dripping, which should be a slow drip– drip– drip. If the drips are too slow, enlarge the original hole a bit, or punch another hole until there is a steady slow drip.
Do this carefully. Once the hole is made, it cannot be easily plugged. Try one hole and test it, then enlarge it if the drip is too slow. Keep experimenting until your dripper is working just right. Fill your jug daily with clean water, or as needed. You should see an increase in the traffic around your birdbath with this method.
If you follow these suggestions, you will have a terrific, safe place for your birds to splash and drink. Providing clean water year round is absolutely essential for healthy, happy birds. Watching all the antics and action is very enjoyable as well!
