Bird Baths

Have you ever wanted to have your own nature show, just for your, in your backyard? Put in a bird bath and let the show begin! A bird bath  is a great way to entice a wide variety of birds to your yard. Not all birds like seeds  from feeders  (especially summer visitors that thrive on insects), but all birds need a source of fresh water. Many birds also take long baths, splashing water though their feathers. This helps them stay clean, and is a lot of fun to watch. Even relatively shy birds might pop down for a quick sip, while the more "outgoing" ones will stick around for a while. if you're having a hard time choosing a bird bath, you've come to the right place. There aren't too many things to consider when buying a bird bath, but a few features are important.

Finding the Right Bird Bath

Deciding which type of bird bath is right for you is a matter of taste and space. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular designs available.

Bird Bath Shapes
Pedestal Baths  Pros: Elevated bath makes it easy to see birds. Birds are safer from cats than they would be on the ground. Many pedestal baths have built-in drippers or heating elements. The "classic" bird bath shape -- an attractive addition to any yard. Cons: Can be very heavy and hard to move. Must be cleaned outdoors -- not easily done in the winter.	Ground-Level Baths  Pros: A small, ground-level bath can easily be added to any yard with minimal fuss. Unless it is very large, can be taken inside for cleaning. You can add "spa" features, such as a heater or a dripper, more easily to this kind of bath than to the others. Cons: Ground baths can be dangerous for birds, making them easy targets for cats! Being close to the ground means that they can get dirty easily. If your primary goal is attracting birds so you can watch them, a ground-level bath may not be the easiest to see.	Hanging Baths  Pros: Hanging baths are elegant. The most cat-proof of the three options. Can easily double as a feeder. Cons: Much more difficult to add a dripper or heater to a hanging bath. If you hang it from a tree, it will get full of leaves. Easily tipped by an over-enthusiastic blue jay or other large bird.

Special Features

Drippers

• Birds are attracted to the sound of running water. If you want to make your bird bath even more enticing, add a dripper! 
• A dripper can be as simple as a hose with the water pressure on low.
• Some bird baths come with dripper attachments.

Heaters? For a bird bath?

• Birds that reside in northern areas year-round, such as blue jays, chickadees, and juncos, need a source of water in the winter.
• A heated  bird bath will attract feathered friends year-round.
• Just remember that the bath will still get dirty in the winter if its being used -- and the birds are counting on you to keep it clean!

Other Tips on Bird Baths

• Remember, some birds are very small. Don't buy a bath that is too deep, or you will only attract larger birds. You can also look for a bath with a variety of depths, like a swimming pool.
• Birds like to have sure footing, so a bath with a rough bottom is preferable to one with a smooth bottom.
• Make sure to position your bath where it will be easy to clean. Birds prefer clean water, so make sure you clean often!
• Also, standing water can attract unwanted pests like mosquitos. Empty and refill the bath every couple of days to protect against them.

External Links

• Birdwatching -- More information on buying and enjoying a bird bath.