Tools and Materials
Tools
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Benefits of a Birdbath
A birdbath makes a beautiful addition to your landscape, especially when you combine it with a hanging planter as we did in this project. But there are other reasons you should consider adding a birdbath to your landscape. A properly placed, well-maintained birdbath:
- Benefits the local bird population by providing easy access to clean drinking water
- Allows birds a means for removing parasites and grooming their feathers
- Encourages birds to visit feeders in your yard
- Draws birds to your landscape, including those that don’t normally visit feeders
- Attracts birds that help reduce insect pests in your garden or flower bed
And birdbaths don’t just attract birds. They also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, benefitting the flowers and trees in your yard.
Want to see more wildlife in your landscape? Read our articles on butterfly gardens and attracting wildlife for tips and ideas.
Should I Put a Birdbath in Sun or Shade?
Before you begin making your birdbath, decide where you’ll put it. Of course, it should be visible to you and the birds, but also think about sun and shade options. Your birdbath should be in partial shade for much of the day. Shade will keep the water from getting too hot in spring and summer and will slow evaporation, meaning there will be more water for the birds and you won’t need to refill it as often. However, avoid placing it directly under a tree or shrub. Falling leaves, blooms, etc., will dirty the water faster. Since this project includes a planter, you’ll also need to make sure you choose plants with sun and shade requirements that match your planned location.
Here are some other tips for finding the best location for a birdbath:
- Place it either within 3 feet of windows or 30 feet or more away from windows to reduce dangers of birds flying into windows.
- Place it where you can easily fill it, clean it and water any surrounding plants.
- Place it close enough to trees, bushes, etc., that birds can find cover quickly, but not so close that it gives predators a good place to hide and easily reach the birds. 10 feet or so is a good distance to balance the benefits and risks.
- Keep at least 7 to 10 feet of distance from bird feeders to keep food debris out of the water. You’ll also want it to be well away from any bird houses in your yard.
- Make sure there’s something nearby that the birds can perch on to give them a launch spot and a place to groom their feathers after bathing.
- It’s best to have your birdbath in a location where children and pets can’t reach it.
Attracting Birds to Your Birdbath With Color
Think about the existing plants, trees and shrubs around your yard, plants you’ll add to your birdbath planter, and any new plantings you may want to place near it. Birds have very good color perception, allowing them to spot food, detect predators, find healthy mates and more. Color can also attract birds to your birdbath. Primary colors in bright tones are easy for birds to see, and different colors can attract different varieties.
- Cardinals, bluebirds, blue jays, goldfinches and orioles are drawn to red, blue, yellow and orange colors that are similar to their plumage.
- Red, yellow and pink can attract hummingbirds since these colors mimic the colors of the flowers they rely on for nectar.
- Understated tones of brown, green and gray are more attractive to birds that frighten easily. These colors can also attract birds that typically find their food on the ground, such as thrushes and doves.
- Avoid white, which can signify danger, and, as in the case of a mockingbird, is used to warn other birds away.
In addition to color, there are other factors that’ll attract birds to your birdbath:
- Clean water that’s always available
- Bird feeders stocked with food
- Bird houses
- Plants that attract insects or produce seeds that are easy to feed on
- Fruit trees
- Colorful garden décor without a lot of motion
Creating a DIY Birdbath Planter
Once you have a location planned out, it’s time to build your birdbath planter. Create the planting area first, hang the planter and then add a saucer to create the birdbath.
Mosquitos and Cleaning
With any birdbath, good maintenance is key to keeping the water healthy for the birds and preventing it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitos. One key step in preventing mosquitos is changing the water frequently. The standing water in a birdbath makes a good place for mosquitos to lay eggs, but it generally takes seven to 10 days for adult mosquitos to develop from eggs. Changing the water every two to five days interrupts this cycle, helping prevent mosquitos. Frequently changing the water creates a healthier environment for the birds as well.
It’s also a good idea to keep the water moving, if possible. While moving water may not be practical with the small birdbath in this project, a birdbath that features moving water from a fountain or an aeration device that pumps air into the water will disturb the water surface and make it less attractive to mosquitos for laying eggs. Birds will also find the moving water more attractive than still water.
See our guide to cleaning bird feeders and birdbaths for more details on maintaining your birdbath and keeping the water safe for birds.