Want to place a birdbath in your yard – one that’s actually used by wild birds? Check out a few tips from Gardens Alive’s one-and-only birding expert, Craig Harmer!
- Bath should be shallow, easy to clean, and easy for birds to clean in. You’re trying to emulate a natural “puddle,” so clean your birdbath often and refill with fresh water regularly.
- Adding moving water to bath can greatly increase the number of species of birds attracted to your backyard. Some birds are slow to recognize water; by adding a dripping or misting movement, you’ll attract more “customers.”
- Baths should be no deeper than 3” with gradual slopes. Pebbles and rocks can be added to diminish depth and offer comfortable footholds for your birds.
- In winter, birds need to keep their feathers clean to stay warm. Birds will increase bathing in winter to do so. Keep a source of water available all year round – try a heated birdbath to keep fresh water available in freezing conditions.
- Birds require water in summer to help them stay cool.
- Baths should be scrubbed and well cleaned at frequent intervals to stop exposure to Salmonella and other disease organisms. But, don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the baths – a little vinegar or nontoxic dish detergent will do the trick.
- Many species of birds, such as warblers, leaf bathe by fluttering among wet leaves of small trees and shrubs after a rainstorm. Shrubbery gardening can attract these types.
- Hummingbirds are very fond of water and bathing. If they can find a fine spray or drips of water – such as raindrops, mist from waterfalls, spray from garden hoses – you can sometimes see them bathing “on the wing.” Water features such as fountains or waterfalls are great for attracting hummers.
- Baths can help out parents during nesting by providing a close source of water; therefore the adults do not need to be away from the nest for extended periods of time.
- Place your bird baths in an area with adequate shade, shelter from the elements and predators, and, of course, within easy view for you, the bird watcher!