Choosing the right location
Bird baths are the best feature you can offer to attract more birds to your backyard. While you can attract a lot of different bird species using bird feeders alone, it pales in comparison to the amount of species you can attract with water. A well maintained birdbath helps birds stay clean and maintain their plumage, while also providing a vital source of hydration. To help entice birds, place your bird bath within 10-15 feet of natural cover like trees or shrubs. This provides birds a sense of security and makes your bird bath a more attractive destination. Birds want to feel safe while bathing and leaving a birdbath out in the open with no cover or chance to escape leaves them open to predators. Another great option is to bury some dead branches or limbs in the ground next to the bird bath. This gives some additional perches, as well as a safety landing area for the birds to inspect the birdbath.
Maintaining a clean birdbath
Properly cleaning your birdbath and providing clean and pristine water is essential to attracting birds to your birdbath. Birds won't use a dirty bird bath and it can also spread harmful bacteria. Scrub your bird bath regularly to remove debris, algae, and bacteria. Use a non-toxic, bird-friendly cleaning solution. A mixture of one part white vinegar to nine parts water is effective for breaking down algae and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Scrub the basin thoroughly with a brush, ensuring you reach all corners and crevices. Establish a routine for checking your bird bath for cleanliness and refilling. Depending on the weather and local conditions, you may need to clean it more frequently. Regular maintenance ensures that your feathered friends always have access to a clean and safe water source. Remember, a clean bird bath not only attracts more birds but also contributes to the overall well-being of the local bird population. Incorporating these steps into your routine will keep your bird bath in top condition, providing a delightful oasis for birds to frequent.
Let's Get Moving
The absolute best way to attract more birds to your bird bath is finding a way to offer a moving water source. Moving water gives an audible cue to attract birds and other animals to your bird bath. It also ensures mosquitos won't lay eggs in the water due to the water not being stagnant.
There are several different ways to offer moving water in your bird bath. If you're looking for an all in one package fountains are very convenient because they include an internal pump and constantly recirculate water. This gives a continuous moving water source that also gives a soothing sound to your backyard. Some are a little small to attract a lot of bird species and others may require some extra rocks at the bottom to provide the correct depth. I've really enjoyed this Alpine Corporation Outdoor 3-Tiered Pedestal Water Fountain. It's relatively cheap for a fountain and it doesn't empty too quickly due to splashing. I can typically go three days before refilling it.
If you already have a bird bath and want to add moving water, I've used these rock bubblers for years. They require electric power and they have a replaceable pump inside. The pressure on the pump can be turned down until the water just bubbles out creating an excellent enticing sounds. These are a great and modestly inexpensive way to bring moving water to your backyard.
This year I decided to try out another option for moving water, a water wiggler. The small mechanism at the bottom agitates the water and creates continuous ripples in the water. This movement will attract birds and still discourage mosquitos. They come in both battery powered and solar powered options.
If you want to add the appeal of moving water, but don't want to purchase any additional products, you can achieve similar results using a bucket or even a milk jug. Puncture a small hole in the container, fill the container with water, and suspend it above your bird bath. This will allow drops of water to fall on your bird bath creating a unique natural dripping sound that will lure birds in the area to your bird bath.
Final Thoughts
Understanding bird behavior is the key to attracting them. Some birds prefer a gentle flow, while others might enjoy the sound of bubbling water. Experiment with different water features to see what resonates with birds in your backyard. Observing their preferences adds a delightful layer of interaction to your bird bath experience. As the seasons change, so should your approach. In colder months, provide a heated bird bath to ensure a constant water source. Providing water in the winter is arguably more important than providing water in summer, due to the freezing temperatures and scarcity of available water. In warmer seasons, consider placing your bird bath in shaded areas to prevent water from getting too warm or speeding up the growth of bacteria or algae. Adapting to seasonal needs ensures a year-round retreat for your avian guests.
Favorite Bird Bath Supplies
Bird Bath Deck Mounted Bowl 12 Inches
This small deck mounted bird bath is perfect for a small compact deck. It doesn't take up too much space and it's just the right depth. I've had great luck mixing it with a water wiggler.
Birds Choice Granite Bubbler
If you already have a bird bath and want to get the water moving, this is the perfect solution for continuous movement. The bubble sound is perfect to entice birds to your bath and the A/C plug means you can set it and forget it!
Favorite Bird Bath Supplies
Allied Precision 7WW Water Wiggler
This small deck mounted bird bath is perfect for a small compact deck. It doesn't take up too much space and it's just the right depth. I've had great luck mixing it with a water wiggler.
Alpine Corporation 35" Outdoor 3-Tiered Pedestal Water Fountain
This entire fountain is fairly cheap and it comes with everything you need to get started, if you have the room. The birds absolutely love it and it's a great ambient water trickling sound. Can be difficult to put together and a little flimsy but great for the price!
Birds Choice Granite Bubbler
Birds Choice Granite Bubbler
If you already have a bird bath and want to get the water moving, this is the perfect solution for continuous movement. The bubble sound is perfect to entice birds to your bath and the A/C plug means you can set it and forget it!
DIY Bird Bath Dripper
Adding moving water to your bird bath is the best possible way to maximize the amount of bird species you attract to your backyard. While there are several different accessories that can help you achieve this, it is much easier and cheaper to do it yourself.
Items Needed:
A Milk Jug, Bucket, or other similar Container.
A Nail or Drill
Directions: Use a nail or drill to puncture a small hole in your milk jug or bucket. Larger holes will empty much quicker but provide a faster flowing sound. Fill your container with water and suspend it above your bird bath. The dripping sound will attract more birds to your bird bath, while also giving off a nice ambient sound for your backyard. Try different container combinations with different size holes to find what works best.
