Over 70% of plants and flora rely on birds for seed dispersal. Therefore, a thriving local community of birds helps create a rich ecosystem. Many gardeners contribute to this phenomenon by welcoming birds into their gardens using birdbaths.
If you’re among the many gardeners choosing a bird bath, you may realize the task is more complicated than it seems. Modern bird baths come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and you aren’t sure which one to select.
That’s why we curated this comprehensive guide to choosing a bird bath. You will learn why you should get a bird bath and discover the benefits of having one, the types of bird baths available, and how to select the perfect one for your outdoor space.
Why You Should Get a Bird Bath
A healthy local bird population helps your community’s flora and plant life thrive. Bird baths attract birds and allow them to commune and bathe in your garden, which helps prevent the spread of disease.
The more healthy birds that move around your local area, the more seed dispersal opportunities arise. So, a bird bath is a fantastic selection if you’re interested in having more greenery in your community.
But the birds also offer benefits to your garden. Many birds feed on insects and grubs – the same ones that plague your begonias.
When you have droves of birds coming in and out of your garden, they start taking care of those insects for you. Consider them a natural source of pest control.
Finally, you should get a bird bath for the sheer entertainment of bird watching. Once you give your local birds a refreshing place to bathe and catch a drink, you’ll begin spending hours watching and listening to them.
Different Types of Bird Baths
When installing bird baths, it is vital to consider the types of bird baths available and compare bird bath costs to get the most bang for your buck.
There are different materials used in bird baths, such as:
- Concrete
- Glass
- Plastic
- Ceramic
- Iron
- Copper
The bird bath material you choose depends on how you want to enhance your outdoor space. For example, if you want a romantic garden, you’ll probably look at ceramic or iron bird baths. But, a modern gardener may like concrete and glass bird baths more.
Bird Bath Features to Consider
Many bird baths are plain: just a basin on a pedestal. But even plain bird baths have features you may want. For example, some bird baths have decorations on the basin or pedestal. Others have fountains, some hang instead of stand, and more still have heating features.
Bird Baths With Fountains
Another desirable bird bath feature is a fountain. Having a little bubbler or sprinkler in your bird bath is more than whimsical garden decor. Birds enjoy the flowing water and are more likely to use it than the still-water versions.
However, bird baths with fountains often require an electrical connection to work. So, they may be challenging to place if you don’t have an outdoor outlet.
There are solar-powered fountain bird baths available. These may be preferable if you want a working fountain but do not have a convenient outlet.
Hanging Bird Baths
Hanging features are excellent for small gardens. If you can’t spare any space for garden decorations, consider hanging your bird bath from a tree, the eaves of your home, or a stake.
Heated Bird Baths
Even bird baths with flowing water fountains freeze in the winter. This can cause structural problems in the bird bath and even break some features. From cracks in the basin to malfunctioning bubblers, the winter can severely damage your bird bath.
Heating features help prevent this damage from occurring. So, you can keep your bird bath full until the birds complete their yearly migration (or keep it year-round if your local environment has birds that don’t fly south for the winter).
Choosing a Bird Bath for Your Garden
Before you choose a bird bath for your garden, you should consider your budget, the bird bath placement, and the garden environment.
Comparing Bird Bath Costs
By far, the cheapest types of bird baths are plastic ones. They run as low as $15, which makes them great for beginners or budget gardeners.
Metal bird baths are more expensive than plastic ones. Their prices range from around $50 to $150, depending on the manufacturer, size, and type of metal.
More expensive still are ceramic bird baths. Very small ceramic bird baths can be cheaper. Some small basin-only baths sell for as low as $40.
But if you’re looking for a genuine standing ceramic bird bath, you should expect to spend at least $100. Often, they run between $100 and $300 or higher if you want a fountain or heater.
Consider Bird Bath Placement
Choosing a bird bath is about more than style; the area where you place your bird bath may impact which one you select.
For example, if you’re set on buying a plastic bird bath, you shouldn’t place it in direct sunlight. Dyed plastic fades in the sun and can rapidly become an eyesore in your garden.
Furthermore, if you have limited space for placement, you can’t go all out with a giant bird bath. You’ll need to understand the dimensions of the bird bath and the area you want to place it before making your purchase. Otherwise, you’ll have to go through the headache of returning it and finding a new one.
The Environment May Impact Your Choice
Environmental factors can influence which bird bath your choose for your garden. Areas with a lot of direct sunlight aren’t ideal for plastic baths or dark colors. Dark-colored bird baths amplify the sun’s heat and could make the water too warm to be refreshing.
Rainy and humid environments also play a role in choosing a bird bath. These environments make rust formation simple on metal bird baths. If you live in a rainy area, you might be better off selecting a ceramic, concrete, or plastic bath to make upkeep easier.
Shop Lesera Bird Baths Today
When choosing a bird bath for your garden, you can’t go wrong with Lesera. We offer a variety of designs and materials, so you can find the perfect bird bath to fit your garden’s aesthetic.
We craft each of our signature bird baths using high-quality materials built to last. This dedication to craftsmanship ensures you get years of enjoyment out of your purchase. We also offer robust customer support and free nationwide shipping on orders over $100.
Shop Lesera bird baths today and bring joy and beauty to your garden!
