Birds Baths
June 10, 2010 by admin
Filed under Gardening Tips
Water for drinking and bathing is one of the essential elements that every bird needs, so if you enjoy attracting birds to your back yard, having at least one bird bath for their use is important. In this guide we will look at Bird Bath types so you’ll have a place to start as you look for the one that fits your garden or landscape.
There are many styles of bird baths from which to choose. Above ground bird baths continue to be the most popular, and so there are a range of designs. Finding the right one won’t be easy since there are so many really awesome designs – but that’s a fun problem to have.
Concrete pedestal bird baths remain popular because they are affordable and durable. Make sure you place a concrete bath carefully because they are quite heavy and hard to move!
Wrought iron pedestal bird baths are affordable and offer a traditional look. They can be fashioned to be rather simple or quite ornate, whatever you prefer. Several good coats of rust proof paint is essential to keeping an iron bird bath looking good. If rust spots do appear, sand and repaint the spots fairly quickly to avoid larger problem areas.
Other metals, like copper or aluminum, are also making advances in the bird bath market. Copper is gorgeous when shined, and offers an antique look when patina and tarnish is allowed to form. Aluminum has the advantage of being rust-free and lightweight, and is also very durable.
Glass or Ceramic bowl bird baths are newer styles and can be very attractive. Colored, heavy glass sparkles in the sunshine and naturally attracts birds with the gleam. Ceramic bowls on stands feature beautiful colors and design. They are works of art, a perfect melding of form following function.
When choosing an above ground bird bath, many of the stands feature beautifully crafted art work – a pair of herons back to back forming the pedestal or a tree trunk design with woodpeckers all around. There are pedestal bird baths for any budget, from plain and simple to quite ornate. While your bird friends might not notice the artisan’s work, you and your guests certainly will.
Specialty pedestal bird baths include fountains, usually with one or two tiers, that require a pump and can be a splendid addition to the garden or landscape. Also, bird baths featuring electric or solar warmers are wonderful for cold climates. Keeping the bird bath operational even while temperatures dip below freezing will give you the chance to attract large numbers of birds during winter.
In addition to above ground bird baths, there are a substantial number of in-ground models and hanging models from which to choose. While in-ground bird baths present a more natural presentation, like an inviting, cool puddle after a rain, it also makes it easier for predators to attack. Keep in-ground bird baths well away from trees and shrubs where cats can lurk, awaiting the right moment. Hanging models require a post or an obliging tree limb. If hung from a tree, they may require more frequent attention since leaves, sap, twigs, seeds, and other debris will find its way into the bird bath more frequently. But their pedestal-free look, perhaps swaying in the breeze, is an attractive option for many bird enthusiasts.
Whatever style you choose, your bird bath will become an asset in attracting birds to your yard. They will show their appreciation by delighting you with their water-loving antics and happy chatter as they take turns getting a refreshing dip or drink.
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