A bird bath is a shallow water basin designed specifically to provide birds with a safe place to drink, bathe and cool off. While a basic bird bath is just a simple bowl, today there are many creative ways to use bird baths to enhance your garden. Here are some ideas for making the most of a bird bath in your yard.
Attract Birds
A birdbath will naturally attract birds to your yard by providing a dependable source of drinking and bathing water. The sight and sound of songbirds gathering around a bath is a delight. Strategically placing bird baths near trees, shrubs or feeders that birds already frequent will increase visits. Providing a water source can attract a wider variety of species to your yard, as different birds have different water preferences. Platform bird baths with varying depths appeal to the greatest number of birds.
Water Features
Making your birdbath visually interesting with moving water can increase its appeal to birds. Consider adding a small fountain or mister to your bath. The pleasant trickling sound is soothing to humans and animals, while the moving water attracts birds by mimicking natural water sources. Keep the water flow gentle so it doesn’t frighten visiting birds. Solar-powered pumps remove the need for electrical work in your garden bed.
Heated Birdbaths
In cold weather a heated birdbath can provide birds with liquid water not available naturally when temperatures dip below freezing. Heated bird baths have a built-in heating element that warms the water just a few degrees above freezing to prevent ice from forming. Thermostats control the temperature for safety. Heated birdbaths must be plugged in to work properly. Use a weatherproof outdoor extension cord and power strip with GFCI outlets. Position baths near outlets to simplify cord concealment.
Create an Inviting Environment
Making your bird bath area comfortable and accommodating to birds will encourage greater use. Here are some tips:
- Place 1-3″ gravel, pebbles or stones in the basin. This gives birds secure footing while drinking and bathing. Change rocks regularly to prevent algae growth.
- Situate baths near trees, shrubs or bird feeders so birds have shelter nearby and easy access.
- Elevate baths on poles or pedestals at a height easy for birds to use. 3-5 feet high is optimal.
- Include perches on or around the bath for birds to stop and preen after bathing.
- Use baths with gentle slopes for easy entry and exit. Platform baths work well.
Birdbath Maintenance
For the health of your feathered visitors, be sure to regularly clean and refresh birdbath water. Change water every 2-3 days, or more often in hot weather. Scrub baths with a stiff brush and mild bleach solution weekly to prevent algae and bacteria. Rinse well after cleaning. Avoid using chemicals and soaps that could harm birds.
Creative and Decorative Uses
With its flowing water and graceful bird visitors, a birdbath can be an attractive garden accent. Use these creative ideas to enhance your bath’s decor potential:
Unique Bird Bath Styles
Bird baths come in many materials, shapes and designs today. Choose a style that fits your garden’s theme. Modern glazed ceramic and colorful mosaic baths add contemporary flair. Classic materials like stone, concrete and copper offer timeless looks. For a whimsical touch, try a bath shaped like a leaf, flower or animal.
Themed Bathscapes
Design a mini landscape around your birdbath to fully integrate it into your garden. Place large ornamental rocks, log slices or tree stump sections around the bath to create a natural habitat vignette. Low-growing ground cover plants and mulch around the bath can enhance the nature theme. Accent with garden art, signs or found objects for added interest.
Container Bath Gardens
For a unique variation, plant flowers, herbs or succulents in pots set into a large bird bath basin. The plants will grow out the top of the pots while the bath below provides birds water. Choose drought tolerant plants suited to container gardens. This idea brings color, texture and nature together in one focal point.
Fountains and Waterfalls
Integrate a birdbath into a decorative fountain for the soothing sight and sound of moving water. Simple tiered slate fountains work well in cottage gardens. For a dramatic look, install a small pre-formed or customized waterfall that spills gently into a waiting birdbath below. The tumbling water will attract wild birds.
Bathscapes with Statues
Intersperse birdbath vignettes with garden statues for added interest. Saint Francis of Assisi, animal and cherub statues are popular accents to enhance the garden scene. Birdbaths incorporating an angel, frog or bird statue directly into the design bring whimsical charm. Accent sculptures should have neutral facial expressions to avoid startling visiting birds.
Fun Birdbath Crafts
Birdbaths make great craft projects for gardeners of all skill levels looking to personalize their space. Here are some fun ideas you can make yourself:
Mosaic Birdbaths
One of the most popular homemade bath projects is mosaic tiling the basin. Choose a basic bird bath form made of concrete, plastic or flexible silicone. Cut colorful glass, ceramic and stone pieces into small tiles using a tile cutter or nippers. Outline your design in advance with pencil. Use tile adhesive to attach the mosaic pieces, filling all gaps between tiles. Grout and seal when dry. Add glitter or beads for sparkle.
Wine Bottle Bird Baths
Recycle empty, cleaned wine or beer bottles to handcraft a unique pedestal bath. Use bottles of the same size and color. Remove labels. Arrange bottles in a group and tightly secure together with cable ties and waterproof glue. Place caps on top of drainage holes. Fill spaces between bottles with pebbles. Add a wide plant saucer on top for the bird bath. This craft is easy and ecologically friendly.
Container Water Gardens
For an instant mini pond that invites birds, simply sink a large glass vase, pitcher or wide-rimmed jar into the ground. Fill with water, pebbles and submerged water plants. The glass lets sunlight penetrate to the plant roots and gives a pretty reflected ripple effect. Mini solar fountains can be added for moving water. Choose durable heat-resistant glass containers for outdoor use.
Succulent Birdbaths
Plant an array of succulents and sedums in a wide, shallow pot to create a visually striking birdbath. Choose drought tolerant, low-growing varieties that pair well together and overflow the pot for fullness. Top dress with decorative gravel mulch. The lush plants will provide landing spots for birds while the container below offers a convenient watering pool. Use a pot liner if no drainage hole.
Unique Uses Beyond Birdwatching
Don’t let your bird bath sit empty when winter migration ends. Try these alternative ways to make use of your bath in the garden off-season:
Seasonal Flower Arrangements
Fill your birdbath with a colorful seasonal arrangement of weather hardy plants and cut flowers. The bath’s shape perfectly contains the arrangement. Refresh as blooms fade. Some pretty options include: spring bulbs and pansies; summer zinnias, marigolds and petunias; fall chrysanthemums, ornamental kale and peppers; evergreen boughs, pinecones and berries for winter.
Garden Sculpture Stand
Let your birdbath prominently display cherished garden statues and sculptures in the off-season. The pedestal bath provides ideal height to showcase larger pieces. Use the empty basin as a platform for figurines, pots or decorative objects. Surround with off-season ornamental grasses and perennials.
Special Occasion Ice or Champagne Bath
For parties or holiday outdoor entertaining turn your bird bath into a unique beverage cooler. Fill the basin with ice and bottled drinks. The ice keeps chilled drinks cold while adding a decorative focal point. For festive occasions fill the bath with ice and a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider.
Rustic Planter
Plant flowers, herbs or trailing vines directly in a rustic style shallow birdbath basin to create an unusual in-ground planter effect. Choose plants suited for pool-side growing. The empty birdbath planter can decorate a patio, accent a garden path or soften a fence line.
Backyard Pond
Repurpose a pedestal birdbath to double as a simple backyard pond. Stock with ornamental fish and water plants. Add a small recirculating pump and decorative rocks. The elevated bath becomes an easy care mini-pond that brings relaxing water features to your garden.
Conclusion
With imagination and creativity a basic bird bath can become a charming multi-purpose water feature in your garden. Tailor your bath design, placement and accents to complement your personal landscape style. Be sure to keep the bath filled, clean and welcoming as an inviting sanctuary for your wild visitors. The joy of watching birds drawn to your garden oasis will be reward enough.