Bubbler fountains, also known as bubble fountains, are a type of water fountain that create bubbles in addition to a water flow. They work by pushing air through small holes at the bottom of a water reservoir, which creates bubbles that rise to the surface. Bubbler fountains are a popular backyard feature, often incorporated into bird baths and other garden water elements. But do birds actually like these bubble-making fountains?
There are a few reasons why birds may enjoy bubbler fountains:
Movement and sound
The bubbling effect provides both movement and sound, which can attract birds. Birds are highly visual creatures, and the constant motion of the bubbles captures their attention. The soothing, babbling sounds also create an appealing environment for birds. This can be especially true during hot weather, when the cooling mist from the fountain is inviting.
Drinking and bathing
The moving water provides birds with a clean, fresh source for drinking and bathing. Bathing helps birds maintain healthy feathers for flight and insulation. The shallow, flowing water from a bubbler is an accessible bathing spot.
Mimics natural water features
Bubbling, splashing fountains closely mimic natural streams and water sources. Many wild birds are adapted to seek out these natural flowing water sources. The fountain may tap into this inherent behavior, attracting them to the backyard.
Which birds like bubbler fountains?
Many backyard birds are drawn to bubbler fountains, including:
Songbirds
Songbirds like chickadees, finches, sparrows, and wrens all enjoy bubbler fountains. The shallow water is easy for these small perching birds to access. They enjoy bathing and preening in the bubbling flow. The fountain’s sound provides an inviting backdrop for their birdsong.
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are specialized nectar feeders, but they also need water to survive. Bubbler fountains provide a low, gentle flow of clean water that hummingbirds can easily sip. Hummingbirds are very active, territorial birds, and they will regularly chase each other around the fountain.
Robins
Robins love worming through damp grass, and readily soak their bellies in shallow water puddles. A bubbler fountain replicates these natural water sources robins seek out. They will both drink from the fountain and splash around in it during their daily bathing routine.
Bird Type | Behaviors at Bubbler Fountain |
---|---|
Chickadees | Drinking, bathing, dipping food |
Sparrows | Drinking, bathing |
Hummingbirds | Drinking while hovering, chasing others |
Robins | Drinking, splashing, soaking belly |
Bubbler fountain features that birds like
When selecting or designing a bubbler fountain for backyard birds, there are some key features to consider:
Shallow water depth
Birds that drink and bathe at fountains prefer shallow water, no more than one to two inches deep. This allows them to stand comfortably in the water. Deeper basins are unlikely to attract small perching birds.
Slow bubbling flow
The bubbling flow should be gentle, not strong and blasting. Soft bubbling attracts skittish birds and provides a calming ambience. Strong water pressure can startle birds away.
Multiple tiers
Having multiple tiers of bubbling flow creates more landing spots for multiple birds to share the fountain peacefully. Adding a tiered element also creates visually interesting movement patterns.
Wide basins
Broad basins allow more birds to bathe and splash simultaneously. Longer, oval shapes work better than perfectly round basins.
Textured finish
A rough stone, pebbled, or textured finish provides better grip for claws when landing on wet surfaces. Smooth basins often deter birds, while rough textures encourage use.
Fountain Feature | Benefit for Birds |
---|---|
Shallow basin depth | Allows easy standing in water |
Slow bubbling | Creates calm environment |
Multiple tiers | Provides more access points |
Wide basin shape | Allows group bathing |
Textured basin finish | Improves bird grip |
Strategic placement for maximum bird use
Where and how the bubbler fountain is installed in the yard impacts how often birds will visit:
Visibility from all directions
Birds are wary of predators, so they avoid enclosed spaces with limited visibility. Placing the fountain in an open area viewable from all sides reduces frightening blind spots.
Partial shade
Partial shade from nearby trees and shrubs provides a temperature-regulated microclimate for the fountain. This keeps the water cool and inviting on hot days. Full sun can overheat small, shallow basins.
Near natural food sources
Locating the bubbler fountain near existing feeding areas and food sources minimizes energy spent traveling between resources. Native plants offering seeds, berries, and nectar are ideal.
Protected from prevailing winds
Strong winds can blow lighter birds off course when approaching to drink or bathe. Strategic placement protected from prevailing winds creates a calmer landing zone.
Away from urban noise
Loud machinery, traffic, and human activity deters birds. Reduced noise pollution allows birds to hear the fountain’s pleasant bubbling more clearly.
Placement Tip | Benefit for Birds |
---|---|
Open visibility | Reduces risk from predators |
Partial shade | Keeps water cool |
Near natural food sources | Conserves energy |
Protected from wind | Allows safe landing |
Away from urban noise | Enhances soothing sound |
Conclusion
Bubbler fountains can provide an enticing backyard oasis for birds when positioned and designed appropriately. Features like shallow, gently flowing water, multiple access points, and natural basins attract skittish wild birds. Strategic placement in cool, calm, and quiet zones of the yard maximizes visitor activity. Observing a diversity of songbirds splashing playfully in the bubbles and singing from the branches adds relaxing nature watching for homeowners. With a well-planned bubbler fountain, it’s clear that many common backyard bird species do enjoy bubbles after all.