Best bird baths to keep your garden friends hydrated

Having birds visit our garden is one of life's smallest pleasures. Even though we all live busy lives, there's something relaxing about spotting a robin or sparrow grabbing some food from a bird feeder or bird table, and having a little splash around in a bird bath. While bird feeders are common in gardens, bird baths are a lot less common, but are just as important.

You may be used to bird baths being big structures made of stone, they now come in all different forms - from the more traditional pedestal baths to small copper baths that sit high amongst your flowers.

What is a bird bath?

A bird bath is a sloped object or small shallow pond, which is filled with water where birds may drink, bathe, and cool themselves.

Bird baths are a brilliant way of providing birds with a regular supply of clean water for both drinking and bathing. They become even more essential in the colder months when natural sources may be frozen or in the height of summer when water can be hard to come by.

To allow small birds to bathe, the water can't be too deep. TheRSPB suggests the water should be between 2.5cm and 10cm deep so that a variety of birds can use the bird bath safely. Adding rocks or pebbles to the bath will allow birds to have something to stand on.

Different types of bird baths

Traditional: These are also called pedestal bird baths that have a column base with a bowl on top. They are easy for birds to access but can be bulky and hard to clean.

Low to the ground: The simplest type of bird bath is a ground bird bath which is simply a large bowl that you place on the ground.

Hanging or mounted: If you lack outdoor space, hanging or mounted bird baths can be attached to walls, fences and buildings.

Solar-powered: A solar-powered bird bath has built-in solar panels that either heat the water or power a fountain.

Heated: Heated bird baths are particularly useful during the winter months and come with a system that prevents the water from freezing. You can also buy heaters for them.

Best-buy bird baths

As seen in the August 2023 issue of Modern Gardens magazine, compiled by Angela Kenny.

Best bird baths

FAQs

How to build a DIY bird bath

If you can't afford a bird bath just yet or don't want to make a splurge, you can improvise and make your own DIY bird bath from what you find in your cupbaords.

Shallow dishes and bowls and a terracotta pot will do the job. Simply find a shaded space, fill a shallow dish with fresh water, turn your terracotta pot upside down and place it on top. To make it more sturdy, you can glue the dish to the pot before filling it with water. You can add stones or rocks to the dish afterwards so birds can perch to drink fresh, clean water. The stones will also enable thirsty bees to drink from the bath, without the danger of drowning.

When do birds use bird baths?

You'll be able to spot birds in your garden at all times of the year, but especially during the winter months as water can be tricky to find.

It is also important to bear in mind that birds are using your bird bath not only to clean themselves off but also to cool off, so keeping it in the shade keeps the water cooler. A spot near trees or bushes will help them feel safe from predators.

How do I clean my bird bath?

To keep your birdbath fresh, just rinse and scrub it with nine parts water, and one part vinegar once every few weeks. If you want to use normal household cleaners, make sure to rinse them all away as they may contain chemicals that harm the bird's feathers.

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