Attract Birds With Water - Add A Bird Bath

Did you know that you could attract birds with water? Actually, you can attract more birds with water than with birdseed. Many wild birds will not be interested in the wild bird food that you offer, but almost all birds are looking for fresh water to drink and bathe in.

In fact, most birds will find a well-maintained bird bath irresistible. American Robins won't usually be attracted to your bird feeders, but a bird bath placed low to the ground will almost certainly attract them.

Bird baths are available in many shapes and sizes and are made from several different materials including concrete, ceramic, metal and plastic.

When looking for a bird bath you should consider:

Size and Depth:

You will attract birds to your bird bath with water that is 1 to 2 inches deep. The sides should be sloped to make it easy for birds to wade in to.

If the bottom is smooth, spread a few stones or pebbles around. This will provide a stable surface for the birds to stand on and a varied depth for birds of different sizes. A birdbath that is 24 inches or larger can accommodate several birds at the same time.

Placement:

Most commercially produced bird baths stand on a pedestal about 24 inches tall. You should place your bird bath in an area that gets afternoon shade. This will help to keep the water cool and fresh. It will also reduce evaporation.

To attract birds with water, place your bird bath 15 or more feet away from your feeding station. Since birds don't fly well after bathing, place your bird bath near plants or shrubs (not too close if you have problems with cats). This will offer protection and perching spots where the birds can preen and dry off.

Another way to attract birds with water is to place the bird bath on the ground. This approach will often be more successful since birds are use to finding water on the ground.

Care:

You will attract birds with water that is fresh and clean. You should dump the water out and refill it every couple of days. Most importantly, clean the bird bath regularly to get rid of spoiled food particles and droppings, which may spread bird diseases. Clean your bird bath with a stiff brush and a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and rinse thoroughly before refilling.

You can make your water source almost irresistible to birds by adding movement. You can buy a commercial dripper or sprayer. You can also make your own by using an old bucket or plastic container. Punch a tiny hole in the bottom, fill it with water, and hang it 3 to 4 feet above your birdbath so the water drips into it.

My personal favorite is a solar power bird bath. These are great! There is a small fountain pump that sits in the bird bath spraying water upward creating a nice visual effect and the sound of running water. The best thing about it is there is no electrical cord. A small solar cell powers the pump. If you have never tried a solar powered bird bath I think you will be very pleased.

There are many things that you can use to make your own bird bath. A plastic saucer, made to use under a planter, is perfect for making a ground level bird bath. You can also use a trashcan lid, saucer-type snow sled, shallow pan, or old frying pan to make your own bird bath.

If you are creating a natural bird habitat, you may want to consider adding a pond or stream to attract birds with water. This will allow you to observe wild birds in a more natural setting.

So if you want to add a new feature to your wild bird feeding station, consider adding a water source. Attracting birds with water will increase the variety of species visiting your yard. It will also provide you with a new way to experience backyard birding.

You can attract birds with water right in your bird garden. If you want to watch your backyard birds in a natural setting, consider creating a wild bird habitat including a water source.

You can leave your bird bath out during the winter, just add a bird bath heater.

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