Bird Bath 101: Facts and DIY Tips

birdbath

Birds, just like any other living creature, need the basics to live a healthy, normal life: food, water, and shelter.

If you do not own a bird, it may be a bit impractical to build a birdhouse and stack up on bird food. But, you can always provide them with their third basic need, which is water.

How? Have a bird bath within your garden.

If you do not have any place to put up a bird bath, it is okay. Still, let this be your guide to the wonderful world (and benefits) of bird baths.

What is a bird bath

Bird Bath

Basically, a bird bath is an artificial pond for birds (of course), which is shallow and always filled with water. It was invented mainly for the flying creatures, so they can cool off, bathe, or drink from it. However, it can also serve as a decorative piece, especially if it is placed in a garden.

Bird baths not only beautify a person’s home, but also fill the needs of the birds. Aside from being a perfect attraction piece for visitors, bird baths also contribute to the world’s natural microhabitat.

History Of Bird Baths

Birdbath Hisory

Bird baths have been around for a long time. Before there were sculptures and man-made creations, bird baths were as natural as possible--- in the form of rock hollows and ground depressions. These natural concaves serve as bird baths for flying creatures, especially when they accumulate water after a heavy downpour.

However, the first ever recorded moment of a bird bath invention happened in the 1840s, when a European company created what we know now as birds’ haven for water.

The Pulham & Sons Company, an entity known for their specialization in rockery and garden fountains (as well as ornamentation), took their business to a whole new level and decided to manufacture caskets and cremation urns. While this was happening, their garden fountains have also developed into something new: bird baths.

Since then, man-made birth baths have been supplying birds with water and bath, as well as providing owners a fresh and natural look on their gardens.

Anatomy of a Bird Bath

Bird Bath Anatomy

Just like any other man-made material, bird baths are constructed from different resources and require certain measurements for safety and stability.

What are bird baths made of?

Bird baths are made with various kinds of construction materials. These are the most common ones:

concrete
plastic
ceramic
copper
marble
brass
stone
shell mosaic
glass

Bird Bath Options

Here are some tips on how you can achieve the perfect bird bath in your garden:

When deciding about the lip’s width, think about what you really want. For example, a wider lip may provide more space for birds to settle, but it can give your bird bath a less delicate look.
If you want to opt for the basic bird bath look, go for a basin shape that is as round as possible. However, square basins are getting popular nowadays, too. For smaller bird baths, shell-or-leaf-shaped basins work well.
An ideal bird bath usually has a depth of 1-2 inches.
Modern bird baths have sculptures on them, like flowers and animals. For a lovelier and more eye-catching bird bath, have it decorated with elegant designs.
Bird baths can be made in all colors, but the most popular ones are water-related hues (white, blue, aqua) and natural earth tones.

Kinds Of Bird Baths On!

Ground bird bath

There is one style of bird baths that we usually see in homes or the Internet. In reality, there are many kinds of bird baths to choose from.

Ground Bird Bath

This is the basic and simplest design of a bird bath. Actually, it is just a basin resting on the ground. Because it is just a simple basin on a ground, it is pretty easy to create--- just get a shallow dish or a more sophisticated one with a fountain or dripper. Ground bird baths are great for large birds, such as quails and ducks, because, since it is in a low area, they can get access to the water easily.

Pedestal bird bath

Pedestal Bird Bath

This is the most popular form of a bird bath. It is built with an elevated basin that is supported by a sturdy stand, which is firmly placed on the ground. Pedestal bird baths are easy to assemble, and give the simplest yet elegant look in anyone’s garden.

Hanging bird bath

Hanging Bird Bath

Totally different from the first two styles mentioned, a hanging bird bath is nothing but a shallow basin which dangles from a tree branch, garden hook, or even a gutter. Unlike pedestal bird baths, these ones cost less, but are a bit scarce when it comes to designs.

Fountain bird bath

Fountain Bird Bath

A fountain bird bath does not only have water on its shallow basin--- it also has a moving water which can either be a bubbler, dripping fountain, or spray. Fountain bird baths not only make a fancy decoration piece in the garden, but it is also a great way to attract birds, since the sound of the fountain makes the bird bath more eye-catching and noticeable.

Heated bird bath

Heated Bird Bath

Like the name suggests, a heated bird bath does not contain any cold water in it--- this is for birds which come from areas with cooler climates and want to experience (and preserve) heat for survival during the winter. Some heated bird baths are equipped with thermostats for regulated use and efficient use of energy.

Solar bird bath

Solar Bird Bath

Solar bird baths are more expensive than other bird baths--- this is because of the solar panels that power up the bird bath, either for water heating or the fountain. Some types of solar bird baths have panels that can be removed anytime.

Make Your Own Bird Bath

Making Bird Bath

If you want to save money or just want to get all crafty, here is a great, do-it-yourself bird bath that could benefit the birds… and you:

Materials Needed

one shallow pan or a flower pot tray (not more than 5 centimeters/2 inches deep)
a flat rock or large pebbles

Procedure

Pick an area where the ground is level and there are some grass/evergreens/shrubs nearby. In addition, choose an area that you can easily see from your window.
Fill the pan/tray with water, which should be about one inch (2.5 centimeters) to 1 ½ inches (3.8 centimeters) deep.
Put the flat stone or large pebbles in the water. This will give your bird bath a natural look. It will also help the birds determine how deep the water is, and may give them enough confidence to settle on it and give it a try.