Using a stone in the middle can allow birds to get out of the water and dry off before taking flight. Photo by Kathy Kinsey.
Attracting birds and insects to your yard can be as simple as keeping clean, fresh water. During the heat of our summer and times of drought, a simple bird bath can provide a sanctuary for all wildlife. It does not have to be large or fancy, in fact some of the best bird baths are small and low maintenance. When it comes to water depth, select a shallow bath of about one to two inches deep. Songbirds need shallow water to bathe in, although they can drink from deeper depths.
If you know you have raccoons running rampant in your neighborhood, also consider the height and weight of your bird bath. Many of us prefer not to have raccoons in our bird bath, nor do we wish for it to be smashed to bits, so always be mindful of the material from which your bath is made. A bird bath that is too light can be easily knocked over by any animal larger than a bird. Luckily there are plenty of concrete and stone options available that are both practical and eye appealing. Wandering cats can also be a nuisance when trying to provide a water source, so consider selecting a sturdy bath with a tall pedestal, and do not plant dense shrubbery around the base that would hide predators from birds.
When thinking of where in your yard to position your beautiful, strong new bird bath, be sure to keep some distance between the bath and the bird feeder. Leftover seeds and cast aside hulls can quickly dirty the water. To make it easier for yourself, place your bird bath in a spot that is also accessible to the garden hose.
Keeping your bird bath clean and water replenished is fundamental. It is recommended to change your bird bath water at least every three days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, to remove disease organisms from bird droppings, and to keep the algae at bay. It is not necessary to scrub the algae off of the bottom of the bath; remember that natural ponds have algae growing on nearby rocks and logs. However, if you like that spotless white bird bath look, you can clean the bird bath by using a bleach and water solution. Be sure to rinse the bath thoroughly afterward to remove any remaining residue.
Bird baths can help attract and support a diverse array of bird and insect species in backyard ecosystems. Photo by Donna Legare.
The most enjoyable aspect of positioning your bird bath is placing it where it can be easily observed. My bird bath at home is just outside our living room window, so when I am reading or drinking my morning coffee, I can easily observe the song birds savoring the fresh water. I may be so lucky as to spot a butterfly or bee resting on the edge, taking in a quick sip from the shallow bowl before going about their business. We are lucky to also have a well-established but young live oak that is perfect for perching birds waiting in line to use the bird bath.
Planting native plants near your bird bath can add another layer of attractiveness, as well as bring in even more birds and insects. Around the bath, I have planted shade-loving nectar sources such as Indian pink and woodland phlox. Many of our native plants provide berries and seeds for birds, but more importantly they draw in beneficial insects that feed upon the native plants and complete the cycle of the food chain.