Hummingbirds are delightful little birds that can bring joy to any backyard. With their iridescent feathers and acrobatic flying skills, hummingbirds are a treat to watch. Providing a hummingbird bath in your yard is an easy way to attract these special birds so you can enjoy watching them up close.
What is a hummingbird bath?
A hummingbird bath is a small, shallow bath that provides water for hummingbirds to drink and bathe in. Hummingbirds get most of their water from flower nectar, but they also need plain water to drink and to use for bathing. Bathing helps keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. The hummingbird bath should be shallow, with a depth of only 1-3 inches, and have a scattering of small stones or pebbles for the birds to perch on at the edges. Because hummingbirds are so tiny, they can easily drown in deeper water.
Where to locate the hummingbird bath
When choosing a spot for your hummingbird bath, look for a location that provides some cover in the form of trees or shrubs. Hummingbirds feel vulnerable when they are out in the open and exposed. But there still needs to be openings and clear access so the hummingbirds can easily fly to the bath. Position it around 5 feet away from bushes, vines or tree branches. A location that gets some shade during the hottest part of the day is ideal. This helps prevent the water from getting too warm in hot weather.
How to make a simple hummingbird bath
Making a basic hummingbird bath is very easy. Here are two options for quick and simple hummingbird baths:
Bowl bath
Use a wide, shallow bowl, saucer or plant tray. The bowl should be no more than 1-3 inches deep and have a diameter of at least 9 inches. Place some rinsed pebbles or marbles in the bottom of the bowl to create perches. Set the bowl on a pedestal, plant stand or stack of bricks so it is elevated above the ground. Fill the bowl with water.
Tiered bath
Stack two terra cotta saucers or plant trays. Place pebbles around the edges. Set your stacked saucers on bricks or a small plant stand and fill the top saucer with water. The pebbles will provide landing spots for the hummingbirds to perch and drink.
Tips for your hummingbird bath
Here are some additional tips to follow when making a hummingbird bath:
- Use a bright colored bowl or saucer if possible. Red or orange works well to attract the hummingbirds.
- Change the water every 2-3 days, or more often in hot weather. Stagnant water can harbor bacteria and mosquitoes.
- Thoroughly scrub the bowl with a brush and mild soap every few weeks.
- In hot climates, consider moving the bath to a shadier spot during summer.
- In winter, rinse and dry the bowl and store it until warmer weather returns.
What to fill your hummingbird bath with
Fill your hummingbird bath with plain fresh water. Do not add sugar, honey or artificial nectar to the water. Hummingbirds get what they need from flower nectar and do not need additives in their bathing and drinking water. In fact, sugar or honey can encourage bacterial growth in the water which is unhealthy for the birds.
Here are some tips for the water:
- Use plain tap water or filtered water if possible.
- Change the water every 2-3 days, or more often in hot weather when it can go stale faster.
- In winter, warm the water slightly before putting it in the bath so it does not freeze.
Making your yard hummingbird friendly
In addition to providing a hummingbird bath, you can also attract more hummingbirds to your yard by:
- Planting colorful tubular flowers that provide nectar, like fuchsias, bee balm, trumpet vines, and native wildflowers
- Leaving brush and dead tree branches for hummingbirds to nest in
- Avoiding pesticides so there are plenty of insects for the birds to eat
- Putting up a hummingbird feeder with homemade nectar (4 parts water to 1 part white sugar)
Enjoying your hummingbird bath visitors
Once your hummingbird bath is set up and ready, be patient. It may take a few days or weeks for the birds to discover it. But soon you should see the lightning fast hummers zipping in for a drink or a bath. Pull up a chair and watch them splash playfully in the water, flitting their wings and chirping. With a simple, properly located hummingbird bath you’ll soon enjoy hours of up-close viewing of these energetic little birds.
Conclusion
Creating a hummingbird bath is an easy and rewarding way to bring joyful wildlife viewing right to your backyard. Follow these basic guidelines for constructing a simple bath from items like terra cotta saucers or shallow plant trays. Include fresh plain water, a shady location, and a few perching pebbles or stones. Maintain the bath regularly by changing the water and scrubbing it clean. Pair your new hummingbird bath with plenty of nectar-rich flowers and you’ll soon have acrobatic hummers buzzing happily around your yard.
