Duncraft has the most variety and options for bird baths and water features, including this Newton Bird Bath. Duncraft’s Sing for Joy Bird Bath is one of a series of similar pedestal bird baths available. The Duncraft 2-Tier Tiger Lily Bird Bath has 2 shallow water levels.

As more and more birds migrate into our yards and neighborhoods, the most important thing we can do is provide fresh water for birds to drink and bathe. Providing water is the best, easiest, and most economical way of attracting the greatest variety of birds, especially as spring migration progresses day to day. Then too, providing a vessel to hold water is a significant way of adding decoration and pleasing elements to our yards in the form of a simple, ornamental, or colored bird bath, or a water feature that creates the sounds of moving water, an important cue for birds to locate water sources.

During migration, most birds are on the move, but we benefit them by attracting them to our water feature during a momentary stop or an extended stopover as they migrate north to the boreal forest and lakes region or even Arctic tundra after spending winters in the sunbelt or areas of Central America – even South America. The least we can do is welcome them with a fresh drink and maybe a bath, right?

It's a good time to take an extra look at our bird baths, water basins, and water features to make sure they are clean and ready for the busy spring season ahead. Then question: Is each unit fulfilling its purpose on a utility level? Is each adding a pleasing element to your yard? Would you like it to add new color to your yard or feeding station? Can you do anything to make your birdbath or water feature more attractive for you and your family – as well as to birds? The answers to these questions are very simple, but they are worth at least a moment’s thought each spring.

For example, one of our staff members is considering adding a second birdbath, and is also interested in upgrading to an art-themed bird bath with attractive coloration to replace their traditional white one. That’s great, and that’s the kind of thinking we’re talking about. Consider an upgrade, an improvement; but most of all, be happy with something as simple as your bird bath; a simple, but very important element among our backyard birding equipment.

Caution: Deep Water

Be sure to keep in mind that the best bird baths and basins are shallow. Birds prefer water that’s less than in inch deep – a half-inch might be better – so even if your bird bath has a deep basin, it’s best not to fill it more than an inch deep, less than an inch even better. Why? A good way to gauge the depth of water in your bird bath is to think of a goldfinch that wants to bathe. To do this it must stand in the basin, but it can’t do that if the bird bath is filled with 3 inches of water. It may take a little extra effort to freshen the water in your bird bath, but keeping the water level shallow benefits the small birds you attract to your yard.

Water Feature Fun

To add another level of attractiveness for birds, you can usually fit a bird bath with a dripper, mister, bubbler, or mini-fountain. Beyond bird baths, other water features may include a small shallow pond with a water circulation system, a small waterfall on the edge of a little pool of water, a stylish fountain within a shallow basin, a short recirculating stream that feeds into a small pond lined with rocks and plants, and other creative options. These kinds of water features add so much to a yard, for people and birds.

As you can see, providing water can be as simple or advanced as you prefer, but the bottom line is: Make sure you have fresh water available daily for the birds you invite to your yard. Water might make the difference in attracting some birds, and it may be a factor in short-stopping some birds to stay in your area longer, possibly even during the nesting season. Without doubt, water will make your yard more attractive to a greater variety of birds during migration, and throughout the year. Enjoy the season.

Birdbath & Water Feature Sources

BestNest – Bird Baths. Buy a bird bath at BestNest.com

Duncraft – Bird Baths (duncraft.com)

Perky-Pet – Wild Bird Water Feeders (perkypet.com)

Wild Birds Unlimited – Bird Baths, Misters, Accessories - Wild Birds Unlimited | Wild Birds Unlimited (wbu.com)

Share your backyard birding experiences and photos at editorstbw2@gmail.com