Bird Baths – Key Features to Look for in a Bird Bath

A bird bath is one of the most common pieces used for outdoor decor in the backyard, but too many of them go unused as a bird bath. Part of the problem is neglect, but other issues like placement and stagnation can add to the demise of these old bird baths. There are also a number of different styles like heated deck mounted bird baths that require some unique maintenance. Here is a look at some of the features to look for in a bird bath.

Birdbaths in Your Yard – What to Look For and How to Maintain Them
By Ronald F. Patterson

Birdbaths come in many different shapes and styles. From a several hundred dollar fancy one to something as simple as a terra cotta saucer. All too often, the fancy ones are more of a hassle to clean and keep clean. The sculpting and flowers are a magnet for trapping dirt and algae. Eventually they get ignored and become a useless mosquito attracting feature in your yard.

They can have the proper dimensions and work great as a bath and a quick drink. Just remember they are extra work to maintain. The width of the bowl isn't a problem. A problem can occur when the bowl is too deep. A proper depth for a birdbath is 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep. Anything deeper without a raised flat surface (stone or brick) can be asking for trouble in the way of drowning or birds unable to escape quickly. It's true, I have a clay bowl 3 inches deep for my Robins and Blue Jays.

I also have a raised flat surface in the middle. A simple 4" x 8" paver brick that allows smaller birds to stand and bathe.

We also have some fancy ones, that are very functional and get used, but it takes more time and care to clean. Still, I them in my yard as an added features and yard art.

The easiest one to clean and the one that gets used the most is a simple two piece concrete birdbath. The bowl is 1 1/2 inches deep and has a bit of a raised surface in the middle.

It is a neutral color and a plain surface. My smaller birds as well as my mourning doves are at this bath all the time. We need to fill it constantly it seems and it needs sanitizing more often.

THINK LIKE A BIRD.

Thinking like a bird does not mean bird brained. Take notice as to where birds congregate for a bath, some playtime and a drink. A simple mud puddle or where the sprinklers puddle up on streets and sidewalks. Nature's way of water for birds. Natural looking sources will help attract birds to your yard and birdbaths.

Earth tone colors. Tan, brown, terra cotta, gray etc. Are you getting the idea now? Natural feeling and looking surfaces. Stay away from pretty colors like bright blues and greens. These bright colors are usually found on the glazed baths which as a BIG NO, NO! Oh sure, the glazed baths are nice and easy to clean, but how often are they getting used?

A glazed bath is also an invitation to a potential death or two. Birds need something to grip, something to hold onto and feel safe. Too often a thirsty bird or a juvenile will fall in and drown. Young birds are clueless to life's traps and dangers. They see water or just a place to perch and may easily fall in.

Bigger birds like robins and smaller birds that may be perching, lose grips as well. A soaking wet bird is slow in flight and a poor surface impedes flight a split second longer. In nature, that fraction of a second can mean life or death.

Location, Location, Location.

A common phrase in business. Also an important phrase when it comes to locating a birdbath. Your bath(s) should be out in the open yet near protection. An oxymoron? Not really. A bath should be placed in an opening or where nothing is growing, yet make sure there is a shrub or a tree near by. Birds need to find a safe place to perch while they preen themselves. A wet bird is a slow bird. All of my baths are within 15 feet of a tree or other protection. If you plant anything around your bath, make sure it is a low growing plant. Cats will hide in your garden and pounce on your unsuspecting birds if giving the chance to do so. Danger also comes from the sky, but birds will be looking for hawks Also, place your source of water where you can enjoy the action. Place it where it is easy for you to keep clean and filled. I can't number the times I've seen an empty or filthy birdbath that is totally ignored because it is located as a piece of yard art, not as a birdbath.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Well, you've got your birdbaths or other sources of water. Now how do you keep it clean? This isn't rocket science, yet many people neglect this task. Maintaining is more efficient then having to do a total scrub all the time. Yes, it's true a good cleaning is needed and you will know when it's needed. Here are a couple of things that I have found that work for me. Near dusk, if my bath needs filling, I will refill with fresh water and put a cap or two of chlorine bleach into the water. This keeps germs and algae down between cleanings and the chlorine will have oxidized by morning.

Copper has been used since the time of the Roman Empire to keep water clean. You can go through the hassle of several copper pennies or use a section of copper pipe about 8 inches long to keep algae down between your cleaning schedule.

However, if your birdbaths are in a location safe for the birds, keeping them filled will be more of an issue than having to keep them cleaned.

Ronald Patterson, has been caring and feeding wildbirds in his backyard for more then 40 years. Ron and his wife Karen also owned and operated a wild bird specialty store for many years. With his gardening skills and knowledge as a "Wildlife Habitat Naturalist", Master Naturalist" and "Michigan Certified Nurseryman", He can help you attract more birds and other wildlife to your gardens and habitats. Ron publishes a weekly newsletter called "Gardening For Wildlife". Sign up for your weekly letter and learn how to attract, garden and care for birds, butterflies and other bits of nature in your backyard.

Go To: http://www.gardening-for-wildlife.com/newsletter.html

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