FUNPENY Sunflower Shaped Design Bird Bath

If you want to add appeal to your backyard or patio, there are few better ways to do it than with a nice bird bath. These ornamental basins add a touch of zen to any outdoor area, and that’s multiplied when birds start showing up to actually use them. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and seeing birds a few yards away enjoying their own drink. Bird baths are one of the few bits of decor that the local fauna will love as much as you do.

A bird bath can really be any basin that you fill with water and keep outside. As such, there are a lot of different configurations, and you’ll have to choose the one that best matches its surroundings.

The most popular type of bird bath is a pedestal style where the basin sits on top of a column. This one can go almost anywhere, but it tends to suit medium to large-size yards the best. These baths can vary widely in looks from ornate stone sculptures to sleek and utilitarian, so it’s easy to find something that suits your decor.

If you’ve got a covered patio, you might consider a hanging bird bath that suspends from a chain or rope. There are even bird baths that sit directly on the ground, and this type can actually attract more birds since they’re used to getting their water from puddles and other earth-bound sources. (Keep in mind that you might attract other kinds of animals with this type of bath, though.)

There are an even wider range of materials that bird baths can be made out of. While they will certainly play a role in how they look, those materials can also affect how they appeal to birds. Bird baths made out of concrete or other masonry might be more expensive and harder to transport or clean, but there will be obvious benefits in terms of durability. Concrete will be able to withstand high winds, and birds will usually be able to grip the surface better. Resin or plastic are more affordable options, and ones that should do just fine in most climates. You’ll want the surface to have a little texture and make sure that it’s a kind of material that won’t expand and crack if you experience very cold winters.

The shape of the basin matters too, and it might be the most important thing as far as the birds are concerned. Most birds will actually take a bath in the bowl and be just fine doing so, but smaller birds can drown if they get caught in the deepest part. To mitigate this, you can place some rocks or other terrain in the middle.

If you have a little extra to spend, a fountain can be a nice touch. A bit of movement in the water will attract more birds and help keep the water from freezing. If your winters are too cold for that to work, there are bird baths with a heating element that can be a lifesaver for thirsty birds. Just consider the power source: Cords can ruin the natural feel of your landscape, and solar-powered fountains and heaters might not get enough sun in the winter months.

Once you get your bird bath, all you’ll want to do is sit back and watch the wildlife come calling — and you’ll be able to do just that for awhile. Soon enough though, you’ll need to clean it.

There’s no getting around this with tech or design tricks, unfortunately. It should come as no surprise that birds will actually take a bath in your bird bath, and they’ll relieve themselves there too. Build up enough waste in that basin, and you’ll be doing your birds more harm than good. It’s best to change the water daily (unless you have a fountain that recycles it) and spray the basin clean a couple of times a week. Once a month or when you see buildup start to occur, give it a good wipe with a vinegar and water solution.