The single, most effective way to attract more birds to your yard is with a fresh water source. Many birds who may may never even visit a feeder, or use a birdhouse require and seek the life sustaining element of water. Birdbaths are a simple and inexpensive way to offer water and attract more feathered friends. The optimal depth of water for birds to bathe and wade comfortably is about two inches. If the bath is deeper, consider placing a large rock in the center for birds to perch.

Adding a nice architectural element to a yard, pedestal birdbaths are available in traditional concrete or stone. A heater may be added to these during frigid winter months, when a water source is also crucial to birds. The newer poly-resin material is made to look like stone, but without the weight, they’re much easier to clean too. Hanging birdbaths are a great choice if space is limited, plus they tend to keep birds safer from ground predators. Birds tend to bathe naturally on the ground, and you can even make a nice ground birdbath using a large, attractive plant saucer and surrounding it with rocks or other natural materials. This option is not recommended if ground predators are present in the area. Consider raising the bath by placing the saucer on a large upturned pot.

With summer temperatures feeling like they’re getting hotter and hotter, offering birds water may really make the difference between life and death for some of them. Keeping birdbaths in the yard is most inexpensive, kindest thing you can do for birds in summer!

The robin pictured above above has enjoyed his bath so much that he’s splashed all the water out! Good thing there’s another birdbath directly below it for others to partake.