Modern Bird Bath Designs That'll Have Colorful Friends Flocking To Your Yard

For many, an idyllic garden consists of beautiful blooms, shade-giving trees, and a couple of avian friends stopping by. Even if you don't feel strongly about seeing birds flit and flutter about, the adorable animals may bump up your property's overall worth. And who doesn't love that? To get birds captivated by your yard, invest in a bird bath so they can drink and go for a dip. According to gardening expert Mark Lane, you can expect feathered friends to make their way to your bird bath as they regularly have to wet their whistles and clean their feathers. "It keeps their feathers in good condition, which results in healthier birds," Lane said in a clip for PrimroseTV.

Bird baths are also beneficial to gardeners. They should love bird baths because they deter thirsty birds from eating the fruit and vegetables in one's garden. Instead, they'll take a quick sip from the bowl of water. Given that there are thousands of options, you might feel overwhelmed when choosing a bird bath for your yard. In fact, you may want to call it a day and settle for a run-of-the-mill one. However, you do have the option to purchase a bath with special features, like the examples below, that will make birds feel spoiled.

Birds are interested in flowing water. While scientists haven't quite cracked why the sound and sight of running water attracts birds like moths to a flame, they know for a fact that it does. For this reason, purchasing a bath with a dripper tube may help get birds over your fence and into your garden. Dripper tubes will continually release water, making bath time enriching for them.

You could buy the Rocky Mountain Ground Level Bird Bath with Dripper Tube, which costs $115.99, or the Brass Leaves Solar Bubbler Bird Bath that can be purchased for $189. The latter received an overall rating of five stars. One reviewer shared that birds absolutely loved spending time in the bath. "The birds started using the bath very quickly. First one was a sparrow that was going wild under the water spray taking a shower. So adorable! It has become so popular that the birds are actually fighting for access to it," read a portion of the review.

Birds love to revisit environments that they have deemed safe. By providing safe areas that are shielded from the sun and potential dangers, such as predatory animals, you can make your yard a haven for birds. One way to do this is by placing your bird bath near shrubs or trees with low hanging branches. This not only provides birds with a quick escape route if they feel threatened, but also a place to duck and hide, making your yard more attractive to them.

While you can do this by getting some trees, you could also purchase a partially covered bird bath, like the 5-star review Wooden Rustic Barrel Water Fountain with 2 Different Levels. This two-tiered bird bath, costing $89.99, gives birds the option to bathe underneath a covered area. The solid fir wood bath also trickles out water, which can be adjusted to the birds' liking. With its working fountain and partially enclosed bathing area, birds may view the space as both safe and exciting, providing a secure environment for them.

Bird baths with a heater are an absolute must for those who live in colder regions. After all, our avian friends can't drink or bathe if the water in their bath is at an unbearably cold temperature or frozen. During an interview with WSBT-TV, long-time gardener and employee of Ginger Valley garden center, Greg Leyes, explained why working bird baths are necessary in the winter. "[Birds] take a bath in the winter time, believe it or not, but the reason they do that is that, that keeps their feathers able to fluff up. Because when they fluff up their feathers that provides them insulation." However, there are some caveats to keep in mind when providing water responsibly. First, birds shouldn't submerge themselves when the temperatures dip to freezing. If they do, their feathers can freeze, and they won't be able to fly. During those days or evenings, either provide protruding stones or sticks in the bath so they can perch on them and drink without touching the water, or cover the bath completely. 

If you want to provide a safe spot to bathe during mild weather and sip during colder spells, then check out the All-Seasons Heated Deck Mount Bath, costing $159.95. It has received 5 stars, with many of the reviewers sharing they have had their bath for up to 10 years and it's still going strong. "The birds in my backyard told me to tell you how much they appreciate water in the winter months with the thermostat controlled heater. I purchased this product in Jan 2018 and it is as reliable today as it was the day I received it," one reviewer shared. Simply plug it into an outdoor extension cord, and watch the birds flock.

Bird baths with attached feeders are intended to help hungry birds. However, they can also benefit the yard owner. You can use specific seed mixes to entice the right bird species, like sparrows and chickadees, that will do away with every gardener's enemy — aphids. On that same note, avoid putting out food that troublesome birds like blue jays and European starlings will want.These birds are particularly loud, turning your backyard haven into a squawking ground.

If you would like several bird species to use your bird bath and feeder, consider the Ashman Deluxe Premium Bird Feeding Station. It comes with four different feeders perfect for attracting a variety of wild birds. It comes attached to a pole you can stake into your grass, making setup easy. It received 4.2 stars, with buyers enjoying the increase in wildlife it provides. "I love watching the birds when they are on the feeders! It is definitely worth the money!" one reviewer shared.

Your neighborhood birds may be more inclined to enjoy your bath if it is surrounded by flowers. Birds have a preference for particular flowers, including amaranths, marigolds, and sunflowers, due to the seeds they provide. In addition, different species of birds are obsessed with specific colors. For instance, those who adore hummingbirds should put some red flowers in the planter attached to your bird bath.

With the Resin 3-in-1 Feeder, Planter, and Birdbath, costing $63.68, you are able to put feed in the bowl above the bath and flowers in the planter. There's a good chance you'll often see birds in this bird bath as they have the option to eat, drink, bathe, and enjoy the look, taste, and smell of flowers. Similarly, this teal Bird Bath with Flower Planter Pedestal retails for $29.49 and has received an overall rating of 4 stars from 159 reviewers. It has a planter near the base, a bird bath hovering right above it, and a small lantern dangling over the basin. "This bird bath and planter is a wonderful addition to your yard or flower bed. I made a butterfly garden, was a great addition," one reviewer shared.

Birds are fond of birdhouses as they are safe places to nest. For this reason, consider giving your avian neighbors the option of spending time in a birdhouse after grabbing a quick drink or a bath. This is also a great way to boost the bird diversity in your backyard, especially if you already have a feeder on your premises. That's because feeders and houses typically attract different species of birds. Feeders are usually filled with different kinds of seeds, which attract seed-eating birds. However, birdhouses usually attract cavity-nesting birds, which typically eat bugs or forage for berries. This will give you a nice variety in your yard. 

Those who would like to have a bird bath with an attached birdhouse should consider a product like the metal Birdbath and Bird House with Pole, available on Amazon for $40. The bird bath has received an overall rating of 4.1 stars. One reviewer complimented the product for its beauty and durability. "This is a really beautiful, all metal, bird bath and birdhouse combo. It screws together in seconds and is sturdy. The house has a little access door on [the] back. This is a great addition to the bird garden," read one 5-star rating.

Our feathered friends have a preference for baths with a grip as it takes less effort to stand. "Birds do not like slippery surfaces, and baths made out of materials such as glazed pottery or smooth plastics are not as attractive as those with a rough surface, like concrete or terracotta,"  Margaret C. Brittingham, former professor of wildlife resources at Pennsylvania State University, told Homes & Gardens. This gives them more traction, ensuring they won't slip while trying to grab a drink.

In addition to helping birds be more secure as they drink, the textured bird bath can act as your garden's statement piece. For instance, the Tall Fiber Reinforced Concrete Birdbath, priced at $137, has been designed to resemble a carved out tree. Birds can effortlessly perch on the textured lip of the bath as they quench their thirst. It received a 4.8 star rating, with buyers enjoying its unique shape. "Perfect for my vegetable garden and well used by my avian friends! Looks really nice out there and is sturdy," one buyer shared.