Bird Baths
A bird bath is a manmade structure designed to provide birds with a shallow pool of water for bathing and drinking. Bird baths are commonly made of concrete, ceramic, metal or plastic and placed on a pedestal or ground mount. They are relatively small, with diameters typically ranging from 2-3 feet across and only a few inches deep. The water in a bird bath is not recirculated or filtered – it is simply filled up manually by the owner. As birds bathe and drink, the water becomes dirty and needs to be dumped out and refilled regularly. Bird baths are extremely popular among backyard bird enthusiasts as an easy way to attract various species to a garden. They provide necessary water sources that are especially critical for birds during hot, dry periods. Positioning bird baths near trees, shrubs or other cover gives the birds a place to escape from predators as they visit the bath.
Benefits of Bird Baths
There are many benefits to having a bird bath:
- Provides a water source for drinking and bathing
- Attracts birds to a yard or garden
- Encourages birds to stay longer while they play in the water
- Allows for great bird watching opportunities
- Gives birds a place to cool off on hot days
Birds need to bathe frequently to keep their feathers in good condition. Their feathers help insulate them and keep them warm and dry. When feathers get dirty or matted down, they lose their insulating capacity. A bird bath gives birds a safe, shallow place to splash around and preen their feathers. This helps remove dirt, parasite eggs, excess oils and dead skin. Bathing helps realign barbules on feathers to seal them against water penetration. After a good bath, birds are able to fluff up their feathers to create air pockets for improved insulation. Their preening also helps distribute protective oils across their feathers from a gland near their tail. A clean bird is better able to maintain its body temperature and stay healthy.
Having a water source available in a yard will attract all kinds of species. Birds relish the opportunity to play in a bath, wading around and fluttering their wings. A bird bath offers excellent bird watching, allowing an up-close look at birds exhibiting natural bathing behavior. It provides a wonderful photo opportunity as well. Bird baths are available in a huge range of styles to complement any garden decor. They can be simple or elaborate, modern or rustic. Placement should be 3-6 feet from shrubs or branches to allow clear access for the birds. Keep cats away too.
Maintenance
Bird baths require regular maintenance to keep the water clean. Water should be dumped and replaced every 2-3 days, or more often in hot weather. Algae is less likely to grow if measures are taken to inhibit light. Use a bleach solution weekly to fully disinfect the bowl. Rinse well afterwards. Vinegar can help remove hard water stains. In winter, use a bird bath heater, de-icer or aerator to prevent ice from forming. Automatic bird baths or misters are available to continually cycle fresh water.
Fountains
A fountain is a decorative manmade structure that shoots streams of water into the air. The water flows down around a sculpture or basin, recycling continuously using a pump system. Fountains are significantly larger than bird baths, ranging from small tabletop styles to massive public park displays. The circulating water in a fountain is meant for aesthetic enjoyment, not for bird bathing purposes. However, birds will sometimes use fountains to drink from or bathe in. Fountain water does get replenished constantly, helping keep it cleaner than stagnant water. But fountains generally don’t offer the ideal shallow, wide pool of water that birds prefer for bathing.
Benefits of Fountains
Fountains provide several benefits:
- Adds elegant ambiance to gardens, parks, etc.
- Provides soothing sounds of flowing water
- Can serve as a focal point and highlight sculptures
- Cools the surrounding air through evaporation
- Attracts some birds for bathing and drinking
The sight and sound of moving water is universally cherished. Whether a simple tabletop bubbler or an elaborate multitiered masterpiece, fountains lend beauty and tranquility to spaces. The soft splashing masks less pleasant noises like traffic or equipment. Strategically placed fountains can direct attention towards a specific sculpture or area. The presence of water seems to help people relax. Moving water also boosts humidity and cools the air through gentle evaporation. This can provide welcome relief in hot climates.
Birds will be attracted to fountains to drink, especially if they don’t have other water sources nearby. Some small bird species like finches may cautiously use fountain basins to bathe if the water is shallow enough for them to stand in. Larger birds like geese and herons might be seen swimming and darting among fountain spray. But most fountains don’t offer the ideal conditions birds prefer for bathing. The water is too deep and doesn’t allow easy escape. Limited space prohibits energetic wing flapping. And the constant flow of water can actually hinder bathing. So while birds may visit fountains, they generally don’t use them for thorough bathing the way they would a bird bath.
Maintenance
Fountains require regular maintenance. The basin should be cleaned frequently to remove debris like leaves. Pumps may need priming and filters need rinsing. Algae growth on underwater areas needs scrubbing. Disinfecting and preventive additives help inhibit organism growth that could clog pumps. In temperate climates, fountains must be winterized by draining and storing vulnerable components. Professional expertise is often required for fountain installation and closing procedures.
Similarities
Despite their differences, bird baths and fountains share some similarities:
- Provide drinking water for birds
- May attract some of the same species like finches, robins etc.
- Require frequent cleaning and other maintenance
- Can be decorative focal points in a garden
- Come in a vast array of shapes, materials and styles
While their scale and purpose varies, both bird baths and fountains rely on water to enhance outdoor spaces. When strategically positioned, they can draw attention, encourage relaxation and provide for wildlife. Choices abound to match any desired theme or decor. With regular upkeep, these water features can offer enjoyment for many years.
Key Differences
There are several notable differences between bird baths and fountains:
| Bird Bath | Fountain |
|---|---|
| Small and shallow | Much larger and often deep |
| Water is stagnant | Water circulates continuously |
| Purpose is for bird bathing | Purpose is decorative |
| Allows energetic bathing behaviors | Hinders true bathing ability |
| Minimal maintenance | More complex maintenance |
The modest bird bath offers ideal conditions for avian bathing needs – shallow, still, wide water for drinking and preening that gets regularly refreshed. Though lovely, most fountains tend to be too disruptive with moving water for birds to bathe properly. Their primary purpose is visual entertainment and ambient enhancement for people. Fountains have more complicated components requiring professional maintenance. So while birds may drink from fountains, they prefer bird baths for bathing due to the accommodating design and calm waters.
Conclusion
In summary, bird baths and fountains both rely on water to serve different primary functions. A bird bath is a small, shallow pool placed with the intention of attracting birds to drink and bathe. Fountains are significantly larger water features meant for aesthetic decoration and ambiance. Their constantly cycling water generally deters bathing. While birds may incidentally drink from fountains, they prefer bird baths for their ideal depth and conditions that enable proper bathing and feather care. With regular cleaning and maintenance, both water features can enhance outdoor spaces – bird baths by inviting avian visitors, and fountains by providing pleasant sights and sounds for people. When designing a garden, consider including both types of water elements to delight the senses of all species.
