Bird bath garden ideas
10 styles to add to your garden |
Adding one of these bird bath ideas to your garden is essential for the wellbeing of our feathered friends. Bathing loosens the dirt in the birds' feathers and makes it easier for them to preen – a process that enables them to maintain the health of their feathers, keep warm and to distribute the oil that keeps their feathers waterproof.
Whether you opt for a majestic stone structure or a more minimalist hanging design, bird bath ideas are a quick and simple way to incorporate more wildlife garden ideas into your plot.
‘Bird baths are one of my favorite recommendations for gardeners seeking to expand the variety and concentration of wildlife in their gardens,’ says Marc Parnell, author of The Birding Pro's Field Guides . 'In fact, some home bird baths attract over 50 species each year.'
Bird bath ideas to add to your garden
Adding a bird bath is a great way to attract birds into your garden. With a vast array of bird bath ideas from which to choose, it will be easy to find the perfect style to complement your backyard ideas.
'Bird baths provide garden birds with fresh, clean water all year round. During the warmer months birds can struggle to find sources of water for drinking and bathing, so adding a bird bath to your garden will help them thrive,' explains Will Haxby, ornamental sales director at Haddonstone . 'Likewise, during the fall and winter, birds still need water to survive, especially when ponds and streams are frozen over.' As well as providing water during the colder months, it is also important that you ensure you are feeding birds in winter as food is often scarce during this period.
1. Consider stone bird baths for a traditional and permanent feature
(Image credit: Haddonstone)
With a classic aesthetic, stone bird bath ideas are sure to create an elegant addition to your garden ideas, especially if you are channelling a more traditional look such as Georgian garden design or Victorian garden design.
Crafted from cast stone, this Baluster design from Haddonstone is frost-proof, meaning it can stay in your garden all year round and will age beautifully to blend into your garden scheme.
When considering stone bird bath ideas, it is worth noting that they are one of the heaviest options. While this is great if you live in an area that is prone to winds, the weight can make your bird bath more difficult to move and clean. If you are likely to need to move your bird bath then perhaps consider ceramic, which has a similar look to stone but carries a fraction of the weight.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
In recent years, there has been an increase in more minimalist bird bath ideas. Rather than your bird bath having to be a statement in its own right, these slimline designs, usually on a thin metal stand can easily be integrated into your borders or lawn. Metal and glass are popular materials for minimalist bird bath ideas and are fairly light-weight, making them easy to move and clean when necessary.
3. Consider the depth of your bird bath
(Image credit: RSPB)
When researching bird bath ideas, it is important to consider its depth.
'To allow different species to bathe safely, we advise between 1 and 4 inches deep,' says Claire Smith, director of product and partnerships from CJ Wildlife . 'It’s also important that the bird bath has sloping sides or rough surfaces and perches for the birds to grip onto and not slip.'
Look for a bird bath with a gradated basin so that it incorporates both shallower and deeper areas, this will help different species to bathe. 'If selecting a deeper bird bath, make sure you add a few stones to the bottom to ensure smaller birds have somewhere to perch and can also get out easily,' continues Claire. Adding a few stones to the shallower parts of your bird bath will also provide bees and butterflies with a spot to land and drink.
4. Add a ground level bird bath
(Image credit: CJ Wildlife)
As well as considering bird bath ideas that are on stands, also think about adding a ground level bird bath to your garden.
'Ground level bird baths are great for ground feeding birds such as robins, blackbirds & thrushes, who prefer staying close to the ground.
However, with the bird bath being on the ground comes the added risk of predators being able to threaten birds whilst they drink or clean themselves,' says Claire Smith. 'Pop your bird bath near an opening or corner where they have the best chance of flying away if they need to.'
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Bird bath ideas aren't restricted to the classic saucer on a plinth design. In fact, there are lots of decorative designs that can suit a wide range of gardens. If you are looking for bird bath ideas that will add a focal point to your backyard, consider a statue that features an integrated bird bath.
6. Bird bath ideas with a fountain
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Garden fountain ideas make for a beautiful addition to your garden decor, offering a soothing soundtrack to your space. However, they are also great for your feathered-friends. 'A central bubbling feature, if present, helps to prevent insects (and their larvae) from settling and congregating around the bath,' says Marc.
They will also help to attract birds to your bird bath and can help to prevent the water from freezing in cooler temperatures.
7. Add a bird bath to your decking
(Image credit: Wayfair)
Incorporating a bird bath into your patio ideas or deck ideas is a great way to make your garden more wildlife-friendly. There are plenty of different ways to add bird bath ideas onto your decking, porch or patio. If you are considering adding a freestanding bird bath, opt for a lightweight material such as metal or glass, as heavier stone designs could cause your decking to bend.
Alternatively, consider bird bath ideas that attach to your patio or porch balustrade or garden fence ideas. Featuring a clamp instead of a post, they can simply be attached onto the top of the fence, it is a great space-saving way of adding a bird bath to your garden.
8. Add a hanging bird bath to a small garden
(Image credit: Dibor)
Hanging bird baths are a great choice for small garden ideas as they don't occupy any of the limited floor space.
Adding hanging bird bath ideas are also a good choice for the birds. Since the bird bath is nestled in a tree, the birds are covered while they bathe, making them less vulnerable to a surprise attack.
If you don't have any suitable trees in your garden, consider hanging a bird bath from a hanging basket bracket. Position in a shady spot and you'll soon have a flock of feathered friends coming to take advantage of their new spa facilities.
One thing to consider with hanging bird baths, as well as other bird bath ideas, is their placement. ‘Bird baths are best situated at least 25 feet away from any nearby windows. This helps to prevent bird-window strikes, which account for hundreds of millions of avian deaths at residential properties each year in the United States,' says Marc.
9. Consider a heated bird bath in winter
(Image credit: Getty Images)
It is vital to provide a source of water for birds in every season. In summer, droughts can mean that water is scarce, while in winter, freezing temperatures can make water equally hard to come by.
Opting for a bird bath with an integrated heater is a great way to ensure that it doesn't freeze. Alternatively, you can add a separate electronic de-icer to your bird bath ideas. However, both of these options will require electricity and this in turn will restrict the position of your bird bath.
Other ways to prevent your bird bath from freezing include adding a fountain or placing a tennis ball or apple in your bird bath – all of these methods make it more difficult for the ice to form a skin on the surface of the water.
During cold weather, be sure to check your bird bath regularly. If you find it is frozen over, simply defrost by pouring cool water over the surface. Avoid pouring hot water over the bird bath as the sudden change in temperature can cause the bird bath to crack. Also avoid the use of any chemical deicers as these can prove toxic to birds.
10. Keeping your bird bath clean
(Image credit: Gardenesque)
Regardless of which bird bath ideas you decide to add to your garden, keeping it clean is essential.
'Bird baths must be cleaned at least twice each week. Each basin must be completely emptied, scrubbed clean, soaked in a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution, and thoroughly rinsed before being refilled,' says Marc Parnell. 'If these tasks are not diligently completed, the bath can become a breeding ground for various avian diseases – defeating the original purpose of supporting local bird life.'
Should a bird bath be in the sun or shade?
Your bird bath should be in the shade as it will keep water fresher and cooler. It will also reduce the amount of evaporation and as such will mean that you don't have to keep refilling your bird bath multiple times each day.
'Bird baths should be located on a flat, even surface. They can be positioned on a patio, terrace, lawn or within a border, depending on your personal taste and available space. If you locate your bird bath under a tree you will need to remove any fallen leaves and branches from the water as these can decay and cause the water to become dirty,' recommends Will Haxby, ornamental sales director at Haddonstone.
Why are birds not coming to my bird bath?
There are many reasons why birds might not be coming to your bird bath.
Firstly consider the position of your bird bath. Bathing is a vulnerable time for birds as they are focused on preening rather than predators. Therefore, they will be more likely to visit a bird bath where they feel safe. Position your bird bath in a shady spot, close to trees and prickly bushes as these will offer a safe space for the birds to survey the scene before bathing.
It is also important to keep your bird bath clean and full, birds won't visit a dirty bird bath. You can also try adding a fountain to your bird bath ideas as this will make your bird bath more attractive to visiting birds who will be drawn to the sound and sight of the moving water.
Birdbaths to Enhance Your Landscape
By The editors of MidwestLiving.com
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Prepare your bath
Add life to your yard by installing a birdbath.
You'll be rewarded with fluttering, splashing and birdsong—and a piece of garden art you can use in creative ways.
Start Slideshow
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Prepare your bath
Prepare your bath
Cover the bottom of a standard cast-concrete birdbath with pebbles for a more natural look. The pebbles also provide traction birds need for sure footing. Make sure your bird bath is no deeper than 3 inches and has sloping sides and an edge to provide a place for birds to perch.
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Hanging around
Hanging around
Meet birds half way by suspending a birdbath in a tree. Keep it low enough that filling and cleaning is still easy to do. (Bird baths should be filled with clean, fresh water every couple of days. When refilling, use a brush to remove any algae that may have grown.) This one has a wreath of branches to supply handy perches.
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Free form
Free form
Make a birdbath of hypertufa and it can fill any spot in a yard.
Positioned on the ground, it will have the added benefit of providing water for many small mammals, such as squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. If cats frequent your yard, the bath should be off the ground and away from shrubs and brush. Different bird species like different bath heights, so provide a variety or experiment to see what works best for you.
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Draw all eyes
Draw all eyes
This purple gazing ball echoes the colors in plants surrounding the birdbath. Choose a color that suits your setting.
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Look lively
Look lively
Perch a couple of statues in the water for a vibrant look.
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Mosaic masterpiece
Mosaic masterpiece
Personalize a preform birdbath and ball with a tile mosaic. Talk about enhancing the look of your garden.
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Look of blooms
Look of blooms
This mosaic flower mirrors the blooms in a garden.
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Fresh fountain
Fresh fountain
Installing a simple fountain mechanism attracts birds and adds movement and sound to your garden for you.Another fountain idea: Create a DIY invitation to birds by pounding a nail hole in the bottom of a container such as a bucket or jug; fill with water and hang above the bath. The steady drips will attract birds.
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DIY delight
DIY delight
Birds don't care what you use as a birdbath-terra-cotta plant saucers, a garbage can lid with a few stones placed inside. Here a plastic plant saucer rests in branches. Glass rocks (usually used as vase filler) provides safe footing.
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Give 'em a hand up
Give 'em a hand up
This original piece still functions as a birdbath. Let your imagination be the only limit to what you use.
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Second act
Second act
Even if a birdbath can't hold water anymore, you don't have to pitch it. With a few added touches, it lives on in its role of garden helper. Or may we suggest filling it with birdseed? Click to the next slide for a clever idea on making a container garden in a broken birdbath.
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Birdbath planter
Birdbath planter
Damaged and broken items may no longer be useful for their original purpose, but they make great art. A damaged birdbath becomes a succulent garden. Add a base of soilless potting mix, plant with succulents and finish with a mulch of Spanish moss. Decorate with your choice of accessories, such as this candy dish planter, compass and spoon.
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Bountiful birdbath
Bountiful birdbath
A colorful arrangement blooms from this weathered concrete birdbath.
'Pink Champagne' rubygrass bursts like a fountain; 'Blushing Emily' chrysanthemums and Tiny Toes coleus offer pops of red. Green kale, yellow-green Golden Globes loosestrife and bronze 'Dolce Crème Brulee' coral bells round out the mix.
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Birdbath mosaic
Birdbath mosaic
Tile and pebble embellishments sparkle in shallow birdbaths. Match the grout to the color of the bowl to show off your mosaic work.
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Haute Halloween
Haute Halloween
Keep the birds happy year-round with a pumpkin treat. Though these are fake birds, the real things appreciate fresh treats.
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Chill time
Chill time
Just because the garden has gone dormant, doesn't mean a birdbath can't still add to the look.
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Frozen color
A frozen splash of color
Based on a French floral design technique called pavé, this one-dimensional winter arrangement is composed of natural ingredients squeezed close together, then frozen in place with water.
In this example, Minneapolis garden designer Scott Endres used kumquats, polished stones, cranberries and pepper berries.
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Up Next
By The editors of MidwestLiving.com
Share the Gallery
Bird baths: original ideas with photos
In the summer, a small saucer of water can be used to lure feathered guests into the garden. What is it for?
Picture yourself lying in a hammock in the shade of trees and watching birds bathe. Have you already wanted to install a bath for "stray" in the garden? Then read on - we will show you how to do it.
In the intense heat, the birds are very thirsty, as well as the desire to swim in clean water. Usually, birds "rest" in puddles, but much more they like special baths, where they can refresh themselves, and at the same time not become prey to predators.
You can make your own baths. Simply put a shallow bowl in the garden and fill it with water.
You can also look for birdbaths at garden supply stores. Sometimes there are really interesting and very decorative things. And birdbaths can be a truly original design element.
1. Concrete vase bath
An old concrete vase can become a birdbath if it is "updated" with white paint and the bottom is filled with pebbles. The pebbles will help the birds move easily in the mini pool. A little water needs to be poured. With the help of pebbles, you can make a multi-level bath.
2. Nest-shaped bath
So that the birds do not have to look for a bath for a long time, it is worth hanging it directly from a tree branch. And if you also arrange the bath in the form of a nest, you will get a completely unusual design element that will look organic on a tree. And although such a "nest" is not at all intended for life, the birds will certainly like it.
3. Homemade Cement Bath
A bird bath can be made from anything, even cement mortar, in any shape you like.
Such a homemade bath will certainly fit into any design, because who knows better than you what exactly the garden lacks?
4. Bath surrounded by flowers
Putting a bird bath in a flower garden is a great solution. So you can enjoy not only the beauty of plants, but also the fervent chirping of birds. In order for the massive stone bath to harmonize with the overall composition, several colored elements can be added to it. In our case, this is a purple ball, which goes well with the acid in the background, and green pebbles, in harmony with the greenery.
5. Bath with a mosaic bottom
Any item decorated with mosaics acquires a special charm. So a birdbath with a mosaic bottom will certainly become a key item (especially if thematic drawings are laid out on it). If you cannot find such a thing on sale, it is quite possible to make it yourself. To learn how to create mosaic elements for the garden, read here.
6.
Fountain bath A small fountain can also serve as a birdbath. The sound of flowing water for birds is a real magnet. The fountain will not only decorate the garden, but also "enliven" it and fill it with sounds. Solid benefit!
7. Tray made of twigs and saucers
Who said that exclusive things have to be expensive? It is enough to take three large branches left after pruning trees, and one glass bowl - and you will get a unique birdbath. And part-time and a kind of decoration of the garden.
8. Unusual sculpture - a great option for a bath
Of course, birds don't care what their bath looks like. And this is a big plus, because you can put in the garden the most intricate object that you wish. For example, it seems to you that the hand of a troll is exactly what your favorite garden lacked. Then what's the matter? Birds will definitely not judge you, but will only be grateful for arranging a place to rest.
Tips for building a birdbath
- Do not make the bath deeper than 5-7 cm.
Birds only need a little water to refresh themselves. - Trays should be filled with clean, fresh water. You need to change it every few days.
- If there is algae or mold in the bath, it must be removed with a small brush when changing the water.
- Locate the bath in a place where the birds can easily find it.
- The height of the bath depends on which species of birds will become guests of your garden. From time to time, the bath can be moved to understand at what distance from the ground it is best to place it.
- Place hanging baths at such a height that it is easy to care for them: add water, clean if necessary.
- If there is a forest near your plot, you can place the pool lower - suddenly you can lure the squirrel.
Do you want birdsong to fill your garden? Then be sure to install a bath for birds! At the same time, it is absolutely not necessary to spend crazy money on it. As you can see, it is quite possible to make it from improvised materials, and at the same time organically fit into the design.
Question: How to make your garden attractive to birds
If you love nature and want to take care of the birds in more than just a bird feeder, plant special plants in your garden and place water bowls. This will help in finding food, drink and rest for local birds and their migratory counterparts, who are gaining strength before a long journey. We tell you exactly how to proceed.
Paintbox Garden
1. Offer food
Birds are mainly divided into seeds, nuts and berries; lovers of nectar; insect eaters. Ideally, in almost any site, opportunities to support wild birds of all these categories can be found. Fill your bird feeder with seeds or nuts, add native plants to your garden, and let perennials grow freely in your yard to provide a variety of food sources for your birds.
TerraTrellis
- Hang up the feeder. In winter, when natural food sources are scarce for birds, it is important to provide them with additional food.
Pet stores usually carry several types of bird food, including unroasted seeds, nuts, and special mixes.
It is best to choose a mixture suitable for the wild birds in your area, which includes sunflower seeds, millet, thistle and hemp. Add caloric lard to the seeds, a solid animal fat that you can find in any store.
Theodore Payne Foundation
- Plant rowan Native trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses make excellent food for birds. In our latitudes, these are, for example, mountain ash and elderberry, which already often grow in our areas.
By planting local varieties of flowers in your garden, you will attract insects, giving insectivorous birds a chance to find food.
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
- Give perennials a chance. Perennials will set seed in the garden in autumn.
For example, echinacea (Echinacea spp.), sunflower, thistle, zinnia (Zinnia elegans) and other herbs produce seeds that help support native birds.
Oil-rich sunflower seeds also keep the birds strong on the long flight. After the sunflower has bloomed, let the seeds fully mature, leaving the head on the stem.
BOXHILL
2. Offer water
A supply of clean drinking and bathing water is often the main attraction that attracts birds to a garden. Many birds prefer to swim in shallow water rather than deep water. Therefore, shallow bowls (up to 10 cm high) can be placed on the site or a flat stone in the middle can be added to make it easier for the birds to get out.
Cording Landscape Design
An outdoor fountain in the garden will attract birds. Surrounding vegetation (bushes and trees) - will give a sense of security and help birds to hide from predators.
Even a simple stone bowl filled with water can become a bird drinker. Maintain the correct water level in these bowls, especially on hot days when the bird needs it most and the water evaporates quickly.
Wesley Stout Associates
3. Create areas to hide
Areas with large lawns, deserted patios, and manicured lawns look like danger zones for birds such as wrens and thrushes. Natural hiding places in the form of hanging tree branches, wide shrubs such as hawthorn and quince, and vines can help these birds find a place to rest out of human sight.
Rebecca Smith Garden Design
Make your garden a natural hiding place for birds that don't like to be seen. To do this, you can plant mixed shrubs and perennials, plant small trees, such as apple trees or dogwood.
Jack deLashmet and Associates
- Leave part of the garden wild.
If you have a large area, you can leave a free place where it will grow, for example, blackberry bushes, in which birds can find both a place to nest and eat berries.
The Cousins
4. Help with the Nest
Many species of birds are ready to settle in backyard birdhouses. Although they won't nest until next spring, it's worth putting up houses in the fall and winter, when the birds start picking up nesting sites.
Secret Gardens
Birds are picky about nesting sites. If you're hoping to attract a particular species of bird, check with your local pet store or pet forum for advice on the size of the birdhouse entrance and how high it is above the ground.
Mary Jo Bowling
- Share nesting material. Helping birds find nesting materials is really easy - leave fluffy seed heads on the plants or lay tufts of wool, yarn or scraps of fabric in the backyard.
