What Is a Bird Bath?

Description

• Birds need a source of fresh water for both drinking and bathing. A birdbath -- a structure specifically created to meet these needs -- also gives a garden or yard an ornamental focal point. The traditional birdbath, made of concrete and consisting of a bowl-shaped top and a pedestal, became popular centuries ago and remains in use. Today, there are many choices available, from expensive, ornate birdbaths to something a simple as an upside down garbage can lid.

Guidelines

• Following a few guidelines will help you attract birds to your bath regardless of what type you use. Birdbaths need an edge along the top for birds to perch while drinking, advises the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension. The Extension also advises that plastic makes a poor material for birdbaths as it does not provide sure footing.

Location

• Placing a birdbath in a shady location helps keep the water fresh. Locate the birdbath near trees, if possible, to provide the birds a nearby place to perch and preen. If the bath is placed at ground level, put it well away from any thick shrubbery, which will give the birds a chance to escape from predators that may be lurking there. Placing birdbaths and bird feeders close together is a bad idea, states the Clemson University Extension. The result could be a birdbath that becomes contaminated with wet birdseed.

Maintenance

• Keep the birdbath full of clean water in order to provide a safe environment for the birds using it. Birds may drop feathers or waste into the bath, making it unsanitary. Replace the water every two days to avoid these problems as well as reduce the likelihood of algae buildup. If algae becomes a problem, use a brush rather than harsh chemicals to remove it. Also, mosquitoes often lay their eggs in birdbaths so changing the water frequently prevents any eggs from hatching.