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Adding abird bathto your cubic yard is a fantastical way to draw a diverseness of birds and give them a much - needed water supply beginning .

If you place your shuttlecock bathtub in the wrong spot , however , it can do more harm than ripe . AsBrian Cunningham , Director of Outreach & Nature Education atWild Birds Unlimited , excuse , “ boo bath location is authoritative for the birds to feel safe to pledge and bathe . ”

Young Australian native Laughing Kookaburra perched on a bird bath

Photo: iStock

get ’s dive further into why the bird bath placement matters and how to pick out the perfect place to keep your feathered friends safe and glad .

The Importance of Water for Birds

Birds involve water not just for drink but also for bathing . bath in abird bathhelps them keep their feathers in top - flight consideration , which is crucial for their survival in any season . Cunningham says , “ Offering a dependable root of clean water , such as with a bird bathing tub , is one of the simplest and most important steps you’re able to take to greatly increase the smorgasbord of shuttlecock in your 1000 . ”

“ Water is vitally important during the high temperatures of a routine summer , when a bird ’s power to regulate its own body temperature can become stressed , ” explains Cunningham . He adds , “ Bronx cheer do not sudate and must take out excess body oestrus through their respiratory organization ” . When temperatures heighten , their respiration rate increases , leading to dehydration . A quick and reliable source of water system is essential for them to replace lost fluids .

Safe Distance From Bird Feeders

Placing your bird bathing tub directly under bird confluent might seem convenient , but it ’s a big no - no . Bird droppings and feeder rubble can fall into the weewee , create a gentility undercoat for mold and bacterium . This can make the water unsafe for birds , potentially causing illness . Instead , place your hiss bath at least 10 to 15 foot away from affluent .

Away from Windows

Birds can easily become disorientate and collapse into windows , leading to injury or even last . nullify localise your bird bath too close-fitting to your house ’s windows . If you do desire it near a windowpane for easy look at , considermaking the windowpane saferby installing decals or gummed label on the glass to make it more visible to birds .

Not Too Close to Shrubs or Trees

While it ’s significant forbackyard birdsto have nearby cover to escape predators , placing a hoot bath correctly next to a fence or dense bush can put them at risk . Predators like cats or raccoon can employ these structures to bushwhack unsuspecting birds . Instead , Cunningham says , “ come in your doll bath 10 to 15 feet from shrubs so predators ca n’t cabbage up on the birds at a bath . ” Having the bush a few foot away offers the birds a “ nearby position to duck into screen from predators as well as a safe place to preen after bathe . ”

In a Shaded Area

To keep the water cool and clean , place your bird bath in a shaded area . In some states , the intense twelve noon Sunday can stir up the water in yourbird bathuncomfortable or even severe levels . Cunningham impart , “ Baths should be turn up in a shaded area to discourage the increment of algae . ”

Near Ground-Level Plants

Ground - grade plants can provide birds with a realistic setting for their bathroom . But make certain the bath is still elevated enough to keep it safe from ground predator . Abird bath pedestalcan be useful here . Make certain there ’s enough open outer space around the bath for razzing to spot any approach danger .

Maintenance Matters

Regular sustenance is key to keeping your bird bathing tub a dependable and receive spot for birds . “ The water system should be change every few days depend on weather precondition , ” advise Cunningham . In terms ofcleaning , he says , “ Sanitize the bath as needed with a 10 % bleach root ; use a steadfast light touch to chaparral if necessary . Rinse , wry , and refill with fresh water . ”

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right spot for your bird bath can make a world of difference of opinion foryour local bird population . By following these guideline , you ’ll furnish a dependable and refreshing oasis that helps birdie stay healthy and hydrous . think , the right placement not only benefits the birds but also enhance your bird - check experience . So , take a moment to evaluate your yard and find the perfect blot for your bird bath .

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Red cheeked cordon bleu is splashing in the bird bath.

Photo: iStock

A male bluebird enjoying a backyard birdbath.

Photo: iStock

House sparrows drinking from a bird bath while one flies away.

Photo: iStock

Three baby raccoon triplets invade the garden birdbath.

Photo: iStock

American Robin freshly fluffed from a bath in the birdbath in the front yard.

Photo: iStock

A bird is enjoying a birdbath near many ground level flowers.

Photo: iStock

House sparrow bathing and splashing water in a birdbath.

Photo: iStock

A blue, white and grey feathered California scrub jay is perched on a bird bath rim.

Photo: iStock

Young couple (heads not seen) use trowels to dig into a small raised garden bed on Astroturf, surrounded by gardening accessories.