Benefits of Birdbaths In Your Garden

Birdbaths can make a wonderful addition to any lawn and garden space.  They are used to water and bathe birds and as a place for birds to frolic in the sun with their avian friends.  But birdbaths bring more than just that to the garden.  They come in many different kinds, shapes and sizes; you should be able to find the right birdbath to fit any lawn and garden decor.  Read further to find out the many benefits of having birdbaths in your lawn and garden as well as some helpful birdbath tips. 

If you set a birdbath out in your lawn and garden, it’s a sure bet feathered visitors will come flocking, especially on warm summer days.  Birdbaths run the gamut from simple to elaborate.  Some are simple bowls that sit on the ground or atop pedestals or hang from chains.  Others are designed as much for the people who watch the birds as for the birds themselves.  You can also display eye-catching birdbaths as garden art.  Once birds discover your garden bath as a reliable source of water, if placed in the right spot and kept filled and clean, your garden will come alive with their color, music and activity.  You’ll discover the pleasure of watching sparrows, cardinals and other songbirds swoop into the birdbath for a splashing good time.  If you have squirrels in the area, they might also delight you with their antics as they attempt to take advantage of your birdbath.  A dip in a birdbath cools birds in summer, and it can help them keep warm in winter.  Frequent bathing stimulates birds by keeping their feathers clean and fluffed.  So keep the birdbath filled, clean and ready for whatever flies your way.

Here are some birdbath basics to follow to get the most out of your birdbath.  Try to find a birdbath that is shallow and roomy.  Ideally, baths should be 2-3” deep and 24-36” across.  The sides should slope gradually.  Consider the material your birdbath is made out of.  Some materials like plastic are too slippery for birds and can crack with age.  Metal dishes, if used, should be of stainless steel or other rust-resistant material.  It’s very important to keep your birdbath clean in order to keep your avian friends returning.  Use a strong jet of water from the base to clean the bowl.  Keep your birdbath safe by putting it next to shrubs or trees that will provide cover and escape routes.  Place ground-level birdbaths where they have 10-20’ of open space around them, but no more or you’ll leave damp birds exposed to hawks, owls and cats.  In cold climates keep it from freezing by adding a heating element that insures it stays thawed.  If possible, add a fountain of some kind to your birdbath.  Birds are attracted to running water.  Some birdbaths already come with some kind of water fountain feature.  And lastly, keep in mind that standing water has the potential to attract those tiny annoying little bugs called mosquitoes, so place your birdbath somewhere that won’t be a problem for you.

With the help of these tips and ideas for birdbaths, you should be able to find the right one for your lawn and garden and be able to attract your feathered friends for a visit or two.  The benefits of birdbaths are well worth the effort it takes in keeping them clean, filled, placed safely and picking the right one.  Add a birdbath to your outdoor space today and enjoy the many perks they bring to your lawn and garden.