Gardens would simply not be the same without the friendly chatter of songbirds. We love their eye-catching colors, infectious spirits and their appetite for insects. As gardeners, we would like to return the favor, and how could we do better than offer the best bird bath?
When they give the birds fresh water, they get a drink and a place to cool off. This is particularly helpful in desert areas or in winter where resources are scarce. A bird bath in your garden can attract even more birds into your garden!
Not surprisingly, there are many different bird baths. From simple ground bowls to fancy heated bird baths, there is something for every taste. In this article, we will help you make the best choice and even share some of our favorites.
Best bird bath reviews
1. Solar powered garden style fountain
If you want to treat yourself to a bird bath, get one that doubles as a water feature. And while you're at it, why don't you help the environment by choosing solar energy? This two-tier bird bath fountain completes this checklist – plus a beautiful design and excellent quality!
The wind won't knock this fountain over because it contains 23 pounds of resin, concrete, and fiberglass. It has a battery that stores excess solar power for up to six hours for later. The fountain can be switched on and off by a switch (the battery is still charged when the fountain is switched off). You don't have to refill it often as it contains more than 2 gallons of water.
Check the current price
2. Urban Deco Deck-Mount Vogelbad Spa
Don't have a garden? No problem! All you need is a patio or balcony to invite birds in with this nifty bathroom. It comes with an adjustable clamp that attaches to most railings (maximum 2 inches thick). The clamp is made of high-performance steel and is coated with rust-free bronze powder. It is sturdy enough to carry a flower pot when needed.
The special features are even better than the bracket. There is a stable plastic basin on one side of the device for holding water. The other side is a steel mesh bowl that is perfect for bird feed. This is double the incentive for birds to visit! Both trays can be removed for easy cleaning and filling.
Check the current price
3. Vintage Resin Pedestal Bird Bath
Do you just want a decent bird bath that does the job without breaking the bank? This is one of our top picks for you. This bird bath is a simple plinth with a large bowl (20 inches in diameter and 28.25 inches in height). It is robust enough to withstand wind, sun and snow so that you can use it for many years. It has an elegant yet simple style that is available in green or copper. The edge of the pool has small cutouts that serve as decor and perch for small birds.
This product is made of resin and requires quick assembly. Ground posts provide additional stability. The manufacturer also recommends filling the base of the base with sand. Some gardeners have found that the resin can be easily drilled to anchor it in the ground (this is not necessary).
Check the current price
4. Esschert Design BR25 Series bird bath
You will love the durability of this iron bird bath. It stays on the floor, on a table or wherever you want. The long pool offers plenty of space for squatting and splashing around. Due to its unique shape, it fits into tight spaces that a circular bathroom does not offer. If you put it on the floor, don't be surprised if squirrels and other thirsty animals come by.
Since it is iron, this bird bath is easy to clean with soap and water. It also weathered well in the heat and cold. The disadvantage of iron is that it can rust, which is best prevented by seasoning it with cooking oil and heating it in the oven for an hour.
Check the current price
5. Regal Art Staked Birdbath
Are you only interested in aesthetics? This is the bird bath that gives you the artistic touch you were looking for. The flower-shaped basin is made of glass with a beautiful coloring and a shiny finish. It is carried on a thin but sturdy plinth with tines to anchor it to the ground. This bird bath is also intended as a bird feeder. This is ideal if you don't fill it in winter.
Gardeners have reported that the color will subside when exposed to direct sunlight over time. If you choose this bird bath, we recommend placing it in a shady or sheltered place.
Check the current price
6. Gray Bunny GB-6876 Deck Mounted Songbird Spa
This “Songbird Spa” is perfect for luring birds onto your deck without too much work. The light basin is easy to clean and detach from the stand. You can manually adjust the clamp to fit any rail or window sill that is 2 inches or less thick. It's easy to move around so you can find the perfect place for your singing guests.
The pool is made of polypropylene and large enough for accessories such as heaters. The clamp is iron and rust resistant. Both are designed to last for years in harsh weather.
Check the current price
7. Akro Mils Classic saucer
If you want simplicity, it doesn't get any more minimalist. The classic saucer from Akro Mils is a simple, long-lasting and effective bird bath. It is made of lightweight yet durable plastic and holds about 3.5 inches of water. This bird bath is perfect for placing on a stand, a tree trunk or just on the floor.
This is a very versatile bird bath. You can add stones, a heater or even a small well to the pool. It can be placed almost anywhere. And if you exhaust the use as a bird bath, it is ideal as a planter.
Check the current price
8. Esschert Design FB163 cast iron bird bath
This rustic looking bird bath is easy to attach to your house, patio and shed – as you call it. The curlicue design has a hook at the end for hanging plants. The bird bath itself has beautiful wavy edges and two bird figures. It's on the flat side, so you'll have to refill it more often. However, since it's flat, the tank is perfect for attracting bees and butterflies.
You can unscrew the basin from the stand for cleaning. Depending on where you live, the iron may rust. In this case, you have to treat it.
Check the current price
9. Nova 3-tier pedestal bird bath with fountain
This three-tier fountain will attract the attention of birds. It circulates water, makes a soothing sound and creates a fun spray pad for guests. The pump also prevents the water from stagnating, so you don't have to clean as much!
This bird bath made of resin is rust, frost and light resistant. It is supplied in parts for easy installation and in 3 floor posts. The bar can be filled with sand or water to make it easier to weigh down. This bird bath is powered by a 5-foot power cord.
Check the current price
10. Tiffany-inspired hanging bird bath bowl
If you want something striking, try this hanging bird bath. The tastefully colorful design is like a stained glass window for the birds. It has a sturdy metal chain so you can hang it on a tree, pergola or overhanging roof. The bowl is heavy enough not to blow too much in the wind.
The chains can be removed for easy cleaning or to transform the bowl into a table bird bath. A small fountain fits in the bowl, but it's best not to use a heater. Because the bowl is made of glass, it can crack outside in cold weather.
Check the current price
What kind of bird bath do birds prefer?
Looking for the best bird bath? There is a wide choice. Source: NCReedplayer
When it comes to garden bird baths, every bird is different – or at least every species. Take some time to observe your garden before making your choice. What kind of birds hang out there? Are they small Shy? Bold? Do they stay on the trees or do they hang on the ground? Adapt these properties to your ideal bird bath.
Smaller birds tend to like higher perches where they have good visibility. Larger birds and ground dwellers such as quail prefer lower bird baths, mainly for access to drinking water. Most birds, including orioles, are attracted to the flowing water by fountains or agitators. If you want to attract hummingbirds, attach a gentleman to the bird bath.
When it comes to location, you need to place it where the birds can easily find it. Most birds are quite shy and don't want to bathe on your porch. You are lucky if you keep it in a protected place that is easily accessible to predators and that you can escape from.
If you are using a solar powered fountain, make sure it is in a place with lots of sunlight. You also want to position the bathroom so that you can easily reach it for cleaning.
Types of bird baths
After you get to know your birds, we can deal with the different species. Here are some of the most popular bird baths.
ON base The bird bath places the bowl above the ground, but at a reasonable height so that smaller birds can see their surroundings clearly. The mental picture that most people come up with when thinking of a bird bath is usually one of these pedestal styles, and for good reason.
These popular bathrooms are made of various materials, from resin to stone, metal to concrete. They can be anything from a very classic design to something that approaches modern art.
Hanging Bird baths hang in the air where birds feel at home. They are usually attached to high-performance chains and can hold a full load of birds. Birds that are high up are safer from predators than on the ground. The disadvantage of a hanging bird bath is that they sway in the wind and can upset the birds. However, many manufacturers have taken this into account and made the tanks so heavy that the birds feel stable.
When you are ready to drill an outer wall, pull a wall hanging Bird bath. You are safely on the side of your house, your shed or even on a sturdy wooden fence. Most of them have intricate designs, so they also serve as wall decorations. However, do not place this device next to a door as high pedestrian traffic can scare the birds.
Assembled Bird baths are best for terraces and apartment balconies – no garden required! They are attached to clamps that can be easily adjusted on robust rails. They are easy to clean and refill. Some birds may hesitate due to the location, others don't mind – especially if you live on the second or third floor.
Simply the simplest setup, a ground The Vogelbad is a basin with a flat bottom or a short base. They are usually placed on the floor, but work flat everywhere, whether it is a table top or a tree trunk. Its location attracts ground birds and large migratory birds such as ducks. You can also see squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits or even deer stopping by.
Fountain Bird baths are usually the fanciest. They are usually electric or solar powered and provide running water to attract birds. With fascinating waterfalls and a soothing sound, they also contribute significantly to your garden aesthetics. You will find that the fountain keeps the fresh water clean so that it does not have to be changed as often.
Similar to a base, some of the best bird baths from a proportion of. The piles are usually thin, yet robust with several tines at the end. The pool itself is smaller and lighter, so it is not top heavy. This bird bath is usually very artistic – some even look like flowers!
Things to watch out for
Some bird baths are complex, others are quite simple. Source: UweBKK
If you want to keep your bird bath clean and safe, you need to place and maintain it well. This is the best way to prevent the birds from visiting again.
Location, location, location
We really cannot stress enough how important the location is. You should consider not only where the birds are, but also safety risks. Animals are vulnerable to drinking and bathing, so they need to feel safe to enjoy them.
Bird baths near windows can be dangerous for birds and cause avoidable collisions. The same applies to doors, large branches and play areas. If the neighborhood cat is walking through your garden, keep the bird bath out of reach. You should also pay attention to chemicals such as pesticides that could contaminate the bathroom.
We think a lot about the comfort of birds, but what about you? You probably don't want to clean the bird bath every other day, so choose a clean place. Keeping it away from deciduous trees and pollen blown by the wind will make your job a lot easier. If you don't have a heated bird bath, storing it in the shed will save years of its life. Also note that birds mounted on the railing can accumulate on your deck or railings.
Finally, choose a place to watch your feathered friends. Bird baths also serve as decoration. So use them as a fun and beautiful part of your garden!
Care for your bathroom
A clean bird is a happy bird and it is up to you to keep the bird bath clean. Birds may be beautiful, but they can be wild and messy. Your bird bath is exposed to leaves, bird droppings, algae growth and insects. For this reason, it is best to clean it regularly instead of waiting for the water to become uninhabitable (once or twice a week is ideal). You save yourself cleaning many nasty things like algae accumulations and stains.
For routine cleaning, start by draining the old water. Then spray it off to remove any loose residue (it won't wash everything off). Fill the basin back up and add a cup or less of bleach. Cover the top so that the birds do not drink the bleach and let it soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
Once that's done, dispose of the bleach in a safe place, such as an unused part of the yard. Rinse the pool again to remove all traces of the bleach. It is preferable to let the bird bath air dry before refilling. However, this can be skipped if you don't have much time.
If there are stubborn deposits in your bird bath, you have to make a little more effort. Put on some rubber gloves, take a brush and really work the bleach into the bird bath. Remember to clean hoses, water mixers, or other accessories while you are out of stock.
If you bought a large or deep bird bath, you may need to modify it a bit. Many species, especially smaller birds, cannot swim well and drown in deep water. Add a few inches of sand or stones to the bottom to make the water shallower and safer.
You can also spot mosquitoes hanging around the bathroom. You and other insects are attracted to standing water. Therefore, keep them away with a water stirrer.
When the bowl is flat, small bird species can bathe in it more easily, but it can also run dry faster than other species. Have a water source nearby for your convenience so you can refill quickly and easily. You can even place the bird bath where it can be refilled by sprinklers or water drainage. However, you should routinely drain the old water so that it does not contaminate the new one.
How do I draw birds into my bird bath?
If you want to attract a certain species, do your research. Does this species live near you? What is it like in a bird bath? If you know this, you can target your bathroom to specific guests and even other guests.
Choose a bird bath that is large for the birds and has space for them. If you live in a hot area, do not use metal bird bath as it can heat up and burn small feet. On the contrary, in cold climates, buy a heated bird bath or a heater to keep the water available all year round (however, do not use heaters with specific bird baths).
But the best thing you can do to attract birds is to keep the bathroom clean and choose a good place. In addition, most birds simply cannot resist a moving water feature!
Dispelling myths about bird baths
A bowl bath bird bath can be placed on a table or on the floor. Source: starmist1
There are so many myths about bird baths that we cannot discredit everyone. However, here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Is a dirty bathroom okay?
Just as you don't want to bathe in dirty water, neither should birds. A dirty bird bath can cause bacteria to grow and possibly damage the birds. Clean your bird bath regularly to keep your chirping guests healthy.
Are deeper baths better?
Not necessarily. A deep bath doesn't have to be refilled as often, but it can be dangerous for the birds. Many species are not good swimmers and can drown in deep baths. Keep the water just a few centimeters deep or put stones or branches in it so that the birds can stand on it.
Is it difficult to clean bird baths?
It doesn't have to be! If you regularly clean your bird bath, you only need to soak and spray it with bleach. If the water stagnates for weeks, a rough, difficult to clean bird bath is created.
The green thumbs behind this article:
Rachel Garcia
Juicy fanatic 
Lorin Nielsen
Lifetime gardener
Last update on 03/12/2020 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API
