Bird habitats are rapidly disappearing due to urbanization. This has contributed to the steep decline in bird population since the 1970s. Installing a birdbath in your garden is a way to help birds. Birdbaths, like bird feeders, are much more than charming garden accessories to watch for bird activity. They play an important role in the lives of birds. Birdbaths are a source of both drinking water and bathing which is important for feather maintenance and body temperature regulation.
Birds prefer a shallow birdbath (no deeper than 2ish” at the center) with a concrete dish with a large and rough pebbles finish in the bowl all on a sturdy, raised base. Birds like being raised so they can see any predators and see the birdbath while flying overhead. The concrete makes the bath sturdy and safe from tipping over. The pebbles imbedded in the concrete create a rough surface that helps the birds have better footing. Having large rough pebbles allows baby birds to climb out of the birdbath easily. The dish should have a lip for the birds to land, perch, and inspect before jumping in.
Place the birdbath in a shady, sheltered area near shrubs or trees. This gives them some protection. Keep the water fresh to prevent algae from growing, and scrub it with a stiff bristle brush every now and then. Birds are suckers for moving water so adding a drip or fountain will add to the appeal. Alternately, placing a ping pong or tennis ball in the water that will move with wind, will create ripples.
This is a small, low birdbath that can be placed among taller growing flowers or plants. It is easy to clean and fill, has a 2-2.5” depth, and a textured basin to provide secure footing. It measures 17” in diameter and 11“high. It is made from sand colored lightweight resin and is easy to move around. $69.95.
This is the Palermo Concrete Bird Bath from Pottery Barn. It is handcrafted from concrete in a simple design with a lightly weathered finish. It is 21” in diameter and 27.25” high. The basin’s inside depth is 2.5” It weighs 104 lbs.. $359.00.
This is the Flatform Cement Birdbath in charcoal or white cement. They are crafted from a mix of sand and stone composite and are weather resistant. There is a smooth cylindrical base supporting a curved pool. They measure 25.9” high and 19” in diameter. They are on sale for $169.00 each.
I think this is a divine birdbath. It is the Oyster Shell Bird Bath, and it is 21.5” high by 17.5” in diameter. Under the shells, it is made from concrete and iron. It will be a work of art in your garden. It also comes in a smaller size. Pictured above is the medium size, it weighs 60 lbs, and it is $564.00 on sale.
From the same company is this Faux Bois Bird Bath which I also love. It is the medium size and is 21.5” high by 16.5” in diameter. It is made from concrete and iron. The base is made to resemble an aged tree that “gracefully angles up to its top bowl to convince the eye that nature created it”. It will blend in with its outdoor settings. It is durable, weighs 32 pounds, and the top ships separately from the base. It also comes in a smaller size. $633.60.
This is called the Equinox Birdbath. It is 23” high by 18.45 in diameter and weighs 69 lbs. The birdbath is handmade, and hand finished by skilled artisans. It is designed to weather naturally and last a lifetime. It is weather resistant. There are 9 finishes to choose from. $615.00.
This is an oval birdbath from Solid Rock Stoneworks. It is made from stone and concrete. It is 24” tall by 20” in diameter. The depth of the basin is 2.5”. It is made in the U.S. and is handcrafted. It weighs 95 pounds. It is weather resistant year-round. It comes as shown above, or pre-aged. It is on sale for $307.99.
“For anyone who has become a Birdfly fanatic with the feeders….now there’s the bath.”
This is a last minute from ASE reader Chantal C. It looks delightful!! It is on sale for $199.99.
It can be pre-ordered and delivered in May.
