Backyard Birding

After posting about providing water for your birds, a number of people came searching for information on bird baths so I thought I would provide a summary of some of the different types of baths out there.

Pedestal bird bath

This is what we have. It is a simple bird bath available almost anywhere. The most important thing to consider when selecting this model of bath is the depth of the water. Birds prefer the shallow type. The slope should be gradual and the ultimate depth no more than three inches. If you already have a deeper bath, you can try laying a few stones in the bottom. I have read that birds prefer to bathe low to the ground, and have noticed this to be an issue among some ground feeders. Most birds seem to accept the bath fine, but our American tree sparrow and the juncos we had this winter just hop around the base scratching at the drips.

They are also available made of different materials, such as concrete, plastic or metal.

Hanging bird baths

These are great, especially if you have limited space. A shallow dish hangs from a tree, pole or other overhang. These are also a lot lighter than the concrete bird baths, and easier to clean.

Bowl-type bird bath

Similar to the pedestal bird bath, this is a simple, shallow bowl which can be set on your deck, balcony or even directly on the ground. You can purchase one for the purpose, or even use an overturned trash can lid or other shallow dish. We set out an old pie dish with water in it for our juncos this winter and it worked very well. These are also light and easy to clean, which is a plus.

Sprinklers/misters

Birds love the sound of water and anything you put in your yard which sounds like running or dripping water is likely to attract birds. These have an additional advantage besides watering your lawn: they attract hummingbirds. It can be quite enjoyable to watch these delightful little birds as they dart in and out of the mist!

There are a number of companies which offer a wide selection of baths in enough styles to suit your tastes. Here are a few companies I know of, but one of the best places to start is your local wildlife habitat store. Attendants there can answer any questions and you will get a chance to see the baths before purchasing.

Birdbaths.com
Birdingguide.com

(Please note, I am not affiliated with either of these companies, and there are a lot of others out there. I only am providing some links for your convenience and because you can get a better idea at what is available by searching through their products. I have never ordered from either company, so please don’t take these links as an endorsement or recommendation.)

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