Bird Baths and Fountains

When placing bird baths and fountains in your garden you need to take some things into consideration before just plonking it down any old place.

One of the main considerations for placement is safety. You don't want to be relaxing while watching your fine feathered friends frolicking in the water only to have them get snatched away by a cat for it's evening meal. Make sure there are no handy hiding places for predators to hide in wait.

If you have little space or no backyard consider getting bird baths and fountains that attach to the wall or railings of your veranda or patio. Over time birds will get comfortable with your presence as long as you don't get too close and will soon come to drink and swim. A further enticement is to also have some sort of bird feeder placed near the bird bath.

Hanging a bird bath in a tree is also a good option. Make sure that is low enough for easy regular cleaning as leaves and other debris will fall in. An optimum place is to hang your bird bath on a branch that is outside your window. This makes it very convenient to sit and relax while you watch the birds make use of your hospitality.

If you have a large garden with wide open spaces then pedestal type bird baths and fountains might be the way to go. You need to have these in an open area so birds feel safe andthey can see that there are no predators lurking nearby while they feed and swim.

Having a bird bath with a fountain will attract more birds as well as having the advantage of less cleaning. Birds also need to get away from the heat as much as we do and will prefer to bathe in a fountain bird bath rather than the stagnant water variety. If you have a stagnant water bird bath then you might consider getting a water wiggler or agitator. These simply sit in the water and cause it to ripple through vibrations. An added advantage of having moving water is you avoid the problem of mosquitoes laying their eggs.

Above all, consider the safety of your little visitors. Your main purpose is to attract birds to your garden and if they don't feel safe or the bird bath is not clean they simply won't visit.

Cleaning a bird bath and keeping it clean has been the bane of many a bird lover but here a few tips and tricks that might help you.

1. Put an algae inhibitor in the water. This can be bought from your local pet store and used in the right quantities won't harm the birds.


2. I've heard reports that throwing a small piece of copper pipe helps retard the growth of algae.


3. Most bird baths aren't very deep but if you have one that is deep enough try putting in a water plant that produces oxygen. This produces an environment that is not conducive to algae growth.


4. Place a small agitator or water wiggler in the bird bath. This keeps the water moving and aerated and it may also help to attract more of your feathered friends.


5. Apple cider vinegar is good. It also keeps the algae and slime at bay. Just a teaspoon or so in a gallon is plenty.

I've heard pretty good reports about the copper pipe so I will definitely be giving that a go. Oxygen producing plants also sounds like a good sensible idea.

Dragonfly Bird Bath Pedestal
Beautifully embossed with cattails and dragonflies in a natural green color. Bath is made of indestructible fiberglass so it's lightweight and easy to move. Protect from freezing when not using a heater. 19 x 19 x 22 inches high.

A rich green glaze contrasts with unglazed natural pottery motifs on this classic bath. Two pieces - the basin locks securely onto the pedestal. Protect from freezing. Not recommended for use with birdbath heater. 3 inches deep, 16 1/2 x 22 inches.

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Cantina Del Sol Bird Bath Pedestal
The glorious gardens of Santa Fe inspired this bath. If you like the look of copper but not the discoloration that occurs over time-give this bath a try. It replicates the warm tones of hammered copper but is made of iron and maintains its copper color. Heater can be used and bath can be left out all winter. 2 inches deep. 14 1/4 x 24 inches high.

Lily Leaf Pedestal Bath
The Lily Leaf Pedestal Bath offers the look of heavy bronze, but it's 'sculpted' of tough, lightweight resin. Accented with a pretty scrollwork base. Pedestal can be filled with sand and anchored into the ground with pegs (included) for extra stability. Easy assembly. Antique bronze color. Not recommended for use with heater. 20 x 28 inches, 2-1/2 inches deep.

Lily Leaf Pedestal Bird Bath - More Info

The natural looking 'stone' bath you've been waiting for. When your hands touch this magnificent birdbath you might well assume it was quarried from New Hampshire granite--we sure did! But this bath is actually composed of a polymer resin with pieces of ground-up granite and mica to achieve the most realistic look we've ever seen. You truly won't believe how closely this bath resembles natural stone--and your birds will love the authentic stone feel and non-slip surface. No two are exactly alike. Granite color will vary. Protect from freezing. Only 21 lbs., ships in two boxes. 3-1/ 4 inches deep, 24 x 23 inches.

If you really want to attract the most amount of birds and lots of different species you should consider getting a bird bath with a running fountain. Unfortunately this usually involves some sort of bird bath equipped with a powered pump for the water fountain. This can be inconvenient for a lot of gardens when access to a power source is limited. It can severely limit the areas in which you can place your bird bath.

Fortunately you now have the option of installing bird baths with solar powered fountains in your garden which totally eliminates any constraints you may have had about getting a bird bath with a running fountain in it. With running water your feathery friends are always assured of a drink of clean fresh water and they don't mind having a bit of splash in it on a hot summers day.

Of course, the major advantage of having a solar powered water fountain is one of maintenance. With running water the build up of algae and bacteria is avoided so less cleaning is needed. You are also no longer relying on a power cord running through your yard.

Another handy accessory you can get for your fountain is a water heater to prevent the water from freezing during the cold winter months. Birds will have access to drinking water no matter the weather conditions thus ensuring their survival.

If you already have a bird bath that does not have a water fountain there are options for you as well. It's called a bird bath agitator. In some places they may be called a water wiggler. These devices vibrate and are placed in the water causing it to ripple. Because the water is constantly moving mosquitoes and other pests are discouraged from laying their eggs. Birds are still attracted to the continuously moving water more-so than they would be to a bird bath with stagnant water. Most are battery powered but there are some models now coming on the market that operate by solar saving on the need for replacing batteries. A heater will still be required during the winter months to stop the water from freezing.

Lily Leaf Pedestal Bath
No electricity required! The sun charges solar batteries that run the built-in pump. On cloudy days when there's not enough sun, you can use an electrical adapter (included) and plug it in. Water cascades over the stacked "rocks" to create a rippling effect that birds can't resist. Gray resin, 7-1/2 x 6-1/4 x 5 inches high.

2-Tier Blenheim Solar Bath
The Blenheim two-tier solar birdbath in a black iron resin finish is perfect for gardens, patios and balconies. Built-in solar panel requires only direct sun, no batteries, electricity or cords. Polyresin and fiberglass. Basin holds 3 gallons. Protect from freezing. Not for use with heater. Lower level is 4 1/2 inches deep, upper level is 1/2 inch deep. 29 x 21 inches wide.

The birds love it, and so will you. This fountain includes everything you need, is self contained and needs no installation.

Important care instructions: to avoid damage, the solar panel and pump must remain fully submerged. For best results, keep bath water free of debris.

2-Tier Blenheim Solar Bath - More Info

2-Tier Country Gardens Solar Bird Bath
Double your bird activity with two tiers of water. Birds love the cool, refreshing spray from this fountain-and you'll love the melodious water sounds. Built-in solar panel requires only direct sun, no batteries, electricity or cords. Polyresin and fiberglass. Weathered stone color. Basin holds 3 gallons. Protect from freezing. Not for use with heater. Lower level is 4 1/2 inches deep, upper level is 1/2 inch deep. 29 x 21 inches wide.

Important care instructions: to avoid damage, the solar panel and pump must remain fully submerged. For best results, keep bath water free of debris.

2-Tier Country Gardens Solar Bird Bath - More Info

Solar Sipper with Wall Bracket

Ice-free water without electricity! The insulated bowl of the Solar Sipper has a black plastic cover that absorbs and holds the sun's heat. That collected solar heat keeps 32 oz. of water from freezing throughout the day even when the temperature drops to 20 degrees. Small opening in the cover allows birds to drink while keeping the water clean. The handy bracket allows you to mount the Sipper on a post, deck railing or tree. Locate Sipper in full sun. Sipper is 9 inches in diameter, and 3 inches high.

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Solar Bird Bath
Create a relaxing atmosphere for yourself-and an enticing water feature for your birds. The recircualting pump and filter are completely powered by solar energy. No wiring, simply install and enjoy. Requires direct sunlight. Two year Manufacturer's Warranty. Pedestal bath is stone colored resin. Protect from freezing. 18" diameter, 24-1/2" tall, 2" deep.

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