What Are Bird Baths Used For? (Uses and Options)

Do you have a birdbath in your yard? If not, you may be wondering what they are used for. These baths provide birds with a place to drink, bathe, and also give your feathery friends a sense of sanctuary. They’re also a great decorative addition to your yard or garden at a fair price. In this blog post, we will discuss their uses and available options for outdoor spaces.

What are Birdbaths Used for and why are they Important to Birds?

Birdbaths provide a place for birds to drink and bathe. They are essential in the summer when birds need to cool down, and in the winter, when they need to get rid of snow and ice by warming up in heated water.  Additionally, they also provide an educational experience by seeing what type of birds are in your local area.

Although this is not limited to water features, you can also place bird feeders that bring varying types of birds depending on what type of seed you are offering. Regardless of what you place, all wildlife needs a clean source of water to drink and bathe, while gaining a visual talking piece that compliments your style.

For more information on attracting birds and birdbaths, check out this article: How Do I Start a Bird Bath and Begin Attracting Birds?

What are Some of the Different Types of Birdbaths Available?

While there are many different types and styles of birdbaths available, some choose to buy standard baths, which are usually round or oval, while others like to build their own. While each is true, it basically comes down to preference, style, and choice. 

While there are many different styles on the market today, here are common baths listed below.

Ground baths

These are made to be placed on the ground. They can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, ceramic, or metal. These types are normally permanent water features.

Hanging

These are designed to be hung from a tree or other structure. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials.

Solar

These baths use solar power to heat the water. This is a great option for those who want to avoid using electricity or who live in an area where freezing temperatures can occur during the winter. These baths are an excellent choice if you live in a region that experiences many days of cold weather.

Fountain

These baths are similar to solar baths, but use a pump to circulate the water. This creates a bubbling or cascading effect, which can be attractive to birds since it simulates natural running water.

Recycled

These baths are made from recycled materials, such as plastic or metal, as well as, many other non-porous and non-toxic materials. Since plastic waste is a huge problem today, it’s not a bad idea to repurpose and purchase items that are made from 100% recycled products.

To view more birdbaths, Check out our affiliate product category: Birdbaths

Which Type of Birdbath is Best for Your Yard?

That really depends on your needs, space, and time allowance. Below are some questions to consider before purchasing or creating your water feature.  

• Are looking for a permanent water feature?
• Do you want something easy to move and hang? 
• Are you looking for an environmentally friendly option?
• Are you seeking more of a fountain type?

Once you’ve answered these questions, the only thing to consider is what personal style you would like, and just like everything else, there are many choices to choose from.

If you’re looking for homemade items, etsy.com is a good place to start, and your more than likely to find a personalized bath that suits your needs. Additionally, you can find handmade birdhouses, feeders, and just about any wildlife decorative piece that your looking for.  

How to Care for Your Birdbath?

Just as you would with a fish tank, it’s important to keep the water clean and healthy for the birds. This can be done by using a birdbath scrubber to remove any built-up grime or algae. Many websites suggest using (distilled white vinegar) to help keep your bath clean and free of germs. Be sure to change the water at least every other day, especially in the hot summer months.

In addition to keeping the water clean, it’s also important to keep the birdbath in a shaded area. This will help prevent the water from becoming too hot and will also help reduce the growth of algae. If you don’t have a shady spot in your yard, you can purchase a shade cloth or canopy that can be attached to a fence or other structure.

You can read more about keeping your baths clean by check out thebirdfoodstore.com. They have an excellent article titled: Follow These Tips on How to Clean Your Birdbath

What are Some Creative Ways to Decorate Your Birdbath for Added Visual Interest?

While there are many different ways to decorate your bath. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Add a coat of paint or sealant to give it a new look.
• Place a plant or pot of flowers next to it.
• Hang a wind chime nearby.
• Buy a bath with a built-in pedestal or platform.
• Purchase a decorative stand or holder.
• Mount it to a wall or fence.
• Use stones, tiles, or mosaics to create a custom design.
• And any personal touch you can think of.

Where can I find a birdbath?

You can find them at most home improvement or garden stores, and many online retailer sites like Amazon, Etsy, Home Depot, Overstock, and Wayfair sell them at a decent price and have a variety of options. Just keep in mind the material that you may want to purchase since some like concrete may be heavy to move, or can’t be moved at all.

Final Thoughts

Birdbaths can be a great addition to your yard and provide hours of enjoyment for both you and the birds with limited maintenance, just wash and fill as needed. Since they are fairly inexpensive, you will find one that both compliments your style, needs, and open space, and who knows, you may want two.