Birds love bird baths, and watching birds bathe brings quality entertainment. There is just something humorous about watching a bird splash around in the water. Even funnier is when a group forms in the bird bath and different individuals jockey around for what apparently must be the best spot in the bird bath. Just about any shallow water feature functions as a bird bath, and setting one up can be very simple. Some of the different designs are described below.
1. The Simple Lid Design
Something as small as a garbage can lid functions well as a bird bath. Because they won't rust, the rubber lids serve better than the metallic lids for this purpose. Any object that shares the same basic features as a garbage can lid -- namely, being wide and shallow -- will function just as well. If you plan to make use of an old lid, be certain there are no perforations that would produce leaks. Birds will be more attracted to your bath if it is raised on some type of base approximately 3 feet(1m) tall. A few medium-sized stones will hold the lid down and provide some perches.
2. The Pedestal Design
The classic bird bath style is a stone or ceramic stand with a shallow basin at the top. This design is sturdier than the average homemade bird bath. However, unless you have access to a kiln or can sculpt stone, then chances are you'll need to purchase a pedestal bird bath. Most garden shops stock this design, and the more affordable models cost about $100. Like the simple lid design, this design also attracts birds but requires frequent refilling and cleaning, and does not include moving water, which birds seem to favor.
3. The Recirculating Fountain
The bird bath at my house is a fountain with a recirculating pump. This model features a remote control so it can be turned on from inside the house. Like the lid design and the pedestal design, it requires manual refilling every 2-3 days, depending upon the weather. Because the water is circulating, cleaning is less frequent compared to the lid and pedestal designs. The manufacturer probably markets this model as a garden fountain, not as a bird bath, but the birds don’t seem to mind the oversight. Recirculating fountains are about twice as costly as the pedestal models.
4. The Waterfowl Pond
Wild bird enthusiasts with sufficient space might consider contructing a pond for waterfowl. Ponds and other wetlands represnt critical habitat for migrating waterfowl and resident birds alike. Artificial ponds will atract ducks, geese, herons, swallows, and many other species. Ponds should be roughly the same shape as the pedestal design, but on a larger scale with water depths between 1 - 4 feet. Important considerations include a water supply, if needed, as well as any neccessary construction permits. Remember: If you build it, the birds will come.