Buying a bird bath is a great way to bring life to your garden - literally. Not only will the bird bath act as an ornament, it will also be a great place for birds to come to hydrate and then further enjoy the treats available throughout your garden.
If you planned before you bought your birdbath you will know exactly where you want to put your bird bath. Then again you may have seen a unique reclaimed birdbath and purchased in a moment of excitement before thinking about placement.
It doesn’t matter if you planned or made a spontaneous purchase. What is important is that you place your newly purchased birdbath in the best position for you, your garden and the birds you want to attract.
Best Place to Position Your Bird Bath
It is a fact that no garden is the same. So pinpointing an exact location of where to put your birdbath is easier said than done. We can, however, highlight areas that are best. Below is a list of good environmental factors to consider when positioning your birdbath.
A Stable Place
It is highly important that you place your bird bath in a stable position. This is for both the safety of the birds and your garden. If you place your bird bath on uneven ground it could easily fall. Fortunately birds have good senses and can fly so if a bird bath falls it is likely they will be safe. The same cannot be said about nearby objects in your garden so think before you place your bird bath and make sure it stands sturdy without the potential to fall.
Away from the Wind
If you know your garden well, you will know what areas are windiest. It is best to place your bird bath away from the wind. This will make the resting spot much more comfortable for the birds and will reduce the risk of the bird bath accidentally falling. If your bird bath is heavy it is less likely to fall but the birds will feel the discomfort of the wind.
In a Spot that Can be Seen
You’re going to want to put your bird bath in a place where it can be seen by both the birds and yourself. Whilst the primary purpose of the bird bath is to help the birds with hydration, you will want to enjoy the views so make sure you can see your bird bath from your favourite spot. Be sure to think about where birds enter your garden so you know where the best placement is for them.
Water Source
If you have a large garden think about where the water source is. The further away the bird bath is from the tap, the longer you’ve got to walk carrying a watering can. Whilst this is not a huge factor if you’re young and strong, it can be if you’re older.
Place near to a sheltered environment
It is a good idea to place your bird bath near a sheltered environment as it will be more comfortable for the birds when resting. However, it is important to ensure it is not placed in a sheltered area that will result in debris landing in the bird bath so avoid trees where branches or leaves fall regularly.
Where Not To Put Your Birdbath
Whilst it is good to know where to put your bird bath, it is also good to know where not to put your birdbath. The two main culprits have been mentioned below. Many mistakenly place their bird baths near trees or windows not knowing that it can have a negative effect for the water and the birds. Ultimately, you need to keep your bird bath away from anywhere that can harm the birds you are trying to invite into your home.
Keep away from trees or feeders
Putting a birdbath too close to a tree may seem logical as birds tend to rest on branches. This is wrong however as debris and fall from the tree can land in the water which soon turns a refreshing pool into a mud bowl. If left this will result in mold build up or bacteria growth which can cause disease for the birds.
Position away from windows
It is always best to position your birdbath away from windows - both house windows and greenhouses. If you position your birdbath near to windows you could easily cause collisions which may injure the bird or damage your windows.
Keep Away from Pets and Small Children
It goes without saying that you will want to keep your bird bath way from pets as it is a deterrent for birds. It is also best to keep away from young children to avoid accidents. If you do place in an area where pets or animals can get close be vigilant and think about both the birds and your loved ones.
If you follow these tips on bird bath positioning you will get the most out of your bird bath and will enjoy the beautiful views gained. As long as your bird bath is positioned in a stable manner and is safely away from debris falling into the water and can be seen by you and the birds you are on to a winner.