Bird watching is a great way to connect with nature, and one of the best ways to attract birds to your yard is to install a bird bath.
Wild birds need access to clean, fresh drinking water. Many species even enjoy swimming, splashing, and bathing in available water, like in a bird bath.
Choosing the right spot to place your bird bath is key to getting the best results.
Here are 10 tips to help you find the perfect spot to install a bird bath and make the most of your birdwatching experience.
1. Find A Safe Spot For The Bird Bath
The first step to finding the perfect spot for your bird bath is to make sure it’s safe.
You should also avoid areas with a lot of foot traffic, as this can scare off birds and make them feel unsafe. Likewise, look for a spot where the noise level is consistently low.
You should also consider the local wildlife in your area.
If you live in an area with predators, such as cats or hawks, it’s best to choose a spot that’s a bit more secluded and away from the predators’ reach.
2. Select A Sunny Place
Consider the amount of sunlight your bird bath will receive when selecting its location. Birds need plenty of sunlight to stay warm and healthy, so a spot that gets direct sunlight for at least a few hours a day is ideal.
You can also choose a spot that gets dappled sunlight throughout the day, as this can provide a more comfortable environment for birds to bathe in.
If you live in a hot, sunny region, however, you should avoid placing your bird bath in a spot that receives direct sunlight all day long. The water temperatures can heat up rather quickly.
Instead, keep the water cool and refreshing for the birds by looking for a shadier spot.
3. Choose An Area With Ample Cover
The visitors to your bird bath will feel safer if you choose a spot for your bird bath that has plenty of cover. This could include trees, shrubs, or other plants that provide shade and shelter.
Birds need a safe, secure place to land and take off from, so it’s essential to make sure there is plenty of cover nearby.
4. Pick A Clean Location For Your Bird Bath
While some shade and cover are needed, avoid placing your bird bath directly under tree branches or bushes that are notorious for dropping leaves, petals, fruits, and seeds. The debris and plant material will clog up the bird bath and dirty the water.
A bird bath filled with leaves and walnuts not only looks bad, but can be dangerous. If these items start to decay and become moldy, it can create a toxic situation for the visiting birds.
5. Find Shelter For The Wind
Make sure the bird bath is placed in an area that is not too exposed to the wind. During milder weather, the wind can rob a wet bird of its body heat.
It will also help keep the water in the bird bath from getting too choppy and create a rough bathing experience for the birds.
6. Pick A Place That Needs Watering
When birds play in a bird bath, their splashing spills a lot of the water out of the bath.
If you position your bird bath in a spot in your garden that will benefit from the spilled water, you are – excuse the inappropriate phrase – killing two birds with one stone. You are doing more than just providing the birds with a place to play.
The spillage will help keep your garden plants watered. By reusing the bird bath water, you are conserving it. And the bird bath water, which no doubt contains some bird droppings, will fertilize your plants.
7. Place Bird Baths Out Of Reach Of Pets
Your pets might be just as attracted to a bird bath as the birds, and this can cause problems. A thirsty dog could knock it over or a sneaky cat could stalk the birds.
Likewise, put the bird bath out of reach of small children, for their own safety.
8. Put The Bird Bath Near A Water Source
Save yourself a lot of trouble and put your bird bath in a place that can be easily reached with a garden hose. That will make it much easier for you to ensure that the bird bath is constantly filled with fresh, clean water.
You will be able to add water to the bird bath every time you water your flowers, and you won’t have to lug a heavy bucket to the bird bath.
9. Locate Bird Baths Near Your Window… But Not Too Close
Finally, when selecting the perfect spot for your bird bath, you should make sure it is in an area that has good visibility. This will allow you to easily spot and enjoy the birds that come to bathe in your bird bath.
However, you should avoid areas that are too close to windows, as this can put birds at risk of flying into the glass. Colliding into glass windows can cause injuries to the birds.
The ideal placement of a bird bath is at least six feet away from a window, so the birds have enough room to maneuver around.
10. Install Bird Baths On Level Ground
Find a relatively flat, level place in your yard to install the bird bath. If the bird bath is on uneven or unstable ground, it is at risk of tipping over or spilling out the water.
The bird bath’s basin should be as level as possible.
If the bird bath easily rocks or the water basin is uneven, you can use gravel, dirt, or paving stones to shore it up. These materials will provide an even, stable foundation for the bird bath.
Summary
Installing a bird bath in your yard is a great way to attract birds and enjoy bird watching. When choosing the perfect spot for your bird bath, it’s important to consider safety, sunlight, cover, and visibility. Be aware of the bird bath’s proximity to high-traffic areas, picture windows, and water spigots. By following these tips, you can find the perfect spot to install a bird bath and make the most of your birdwatching experience.