New to the hobby of backyard birding?

There are numerous ways to attract more species than with houses and food.

Investing in a quality bird bath is one of the best ways to attract more feathered friends to your yard. A fresh water source serves many who may not ever use a birdhouse, or perch at a feeder. In the heat of summer with severe droughts, and in frigid snowy winter months, birds need water to survive. Not only for drinking, but bathing keeps feathers clean, preened and working right!

The choices can be overwhelming, and the absolute best birdbath is the one you will maintain for your birds to use. Sound silly? Not at all….heavy concrete baths look nice, I have one in my yard. But the bowl sure is awkward and heavy to dump old water. I have to brace it against my leg to do so. Also, the porous surface makes it a little harder to keep clean. Glass baths are nice, not too heavy, and very easy to clean.

If adding a splash of color to the yard or garden is a concern, ceramic bird baths are the way to go. Vibrant colors in every possible style of birdbath are out there. Be it hanging, pedestal, or a ground birdbath, ceramics bring a bit of functional art to any environment. Two useful features of ceramic bird baths are these: they help keep water cooler during high temperatures, and they have the ability to withstand a bath heater in winter. All in all, they make an excellent choice for a new backyard birding accessory, as well as a great gift for any occasion. A gift that gets used everyday, lasts a lifetime, and gives back to nature is sure to bring joy to the recipient…with no worries of re-gifting!