Whether you buy one or make it yourself, bird baths make an excellent addition to any yard or garden. While the decorative aspect of a bird bath is important, it’s also important to consider the ease of use. Whether birds visit and use your bird bath will depend on several factors concerning its location. Here we’ll go over the major things to consider when finding a place for your bird bath.
Safe From Predators—Including Humans
Birds will only visit bird baths they deem safe. Drinking, bathing and preening their feathers are all things that put them at risk and therefore need the most comfortable environment possible. The easiest way to find a safe place for a bird bath is to avoid wide open areas where they might be exposed to predators. Place the bird bath somewhere close to trees, shrubs or bushes where a nervous bird can easily retreat.
You should also consider human presence when placing bird baths. While it might tempt you to place the bath right next to a window for optimal bird watching from indoors, proximity to windows can be dangerous for birds who may get confused and fly into the glass. Lots of movement through the window is another thing that can startle a bird from their restful bathing and make them less likely to return. Place your bird bath in a lower-traffic area of your garden and safely away from windows to make it safe and comfortable.
Close to a Water Source
Whether your bird bath has a built-in fountain or is simply a basin of water, it will need to be close to a water source. Bird baths that include bubblers, misters or dripping elements will need a constant source of running water and therefore need to be hooked up to a hose or other systems. Bird baths that are just vessels for still water need to be close enough to the hose that you can easily refresh and refill it without having to carry water an inconvenient distance. Keeping the water fresh is much easier when it’s within easy reach and good cleaning habits will help prevent standing water issues as well as keep it pleasant for your bird visitors.
Away From Bird Houses and Feeders
If you have other bird-attracting features in your garden, you will want to place the bath an adequate distance from them. Bird feeders and bird houses can coexist in the same outdoor space as long as the birds have enough room to move around. Most experts recommend a minimum of 6 or 7 feet separating your bird amenities as the proximity can make them nervous and less likely to stay.
These are just three of the most important things to consider when finding a place for your bird bath. Other factors like climate, visibility and sun exposure are also worth some thought to make sure your visiting birds are happy and comfortable when visiting your outdoor space. With a well-placed bird bath, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of feathered friends all throughout the year while providing them a perfect place to relax.