Where to Put Your Birdbath for Happier Birds

Along with a birdfeeder and native plants, a birdbath is a must for attracting a beautiful array of birds to your outdoor space. “A well-maintained birdbath can greatly increase the variety of birds that nest in your yard, visit during migration, and spend the winter,” says Tod Winston, an expert with NYC Bird Alliance. “And if the birdbath is well placed, you can sit back and enjoy the show as robins, warblers, orioles, thrushes, and more stop by to wash up and have a drink.”

If the birdbath is not well placed, however, birds may not notice it’s there. Or the birdbath may get dirty very quickly. Or, worst of all, it may cause the birds to get injured or killed by prowling cats or a collision with a window.

To nail down the best spot in your yard for your birdbath, follow Winston’s tips.

The Best Birdbath Spot: A Checklist

Look around your yard and find an area that meets as many of these descriptions as possible.

• A shaded or partially shaded area. Especially if you live in a hot climate, don’t put the birdbath in direct sun. “Shade will keep your bathwater fresh and discourage the growth of algae,” which flourishes in heat, Winston says.
• 10 feet from shrubs and trees. “Placing your bath in the open will allow birds to see it and find it,” Winston says. At the sweet-spot distance of 10 feet, birds will be close enough to shrubs and trees to have a convenient place to perch, preen, and dry off, but not so close that they’ll be vulnerable to ambush from cats and other predators, he adds.
• Either within 3 feet of a window or farther than 30 feet from a window. This “rule of 3 or 30” (which applies to birdfeeders too) protects birds from window-related injuries. With the bath at less than 3 feet, birds won’t build up enough flying speed to hurt themselves if they collide with the window. At more than 30 feet, they’re less likely to confuse a window for an open space, and they’re better able to maneuver around obstacles (like your house). “If you can’t find a spot within the right range, consider applying a bird-friendly window treatment that makes your windows visible to birds,” Winston says.
• A few feet from a birdfeeder. “Never put a bath directly below your birdfeeder, to avoid soiling the water,” Winston says.
• At least 3 feet off the ground. Mount your birdbath on a pedestal. “This will provide some protection from cats,” Winston says.
• On a level surface. Because a birdbath that continually tips over is no fun for anyone.

4 More Tips for a Bird-Friendly Birdbath

Once you’ve found the right spot for your birdbath, maintain it properly to keep your avian guests satisfied.

Make Sure the Bath Isn’t Too Deep

“A shallow birdbath—at most 1.5 inches deep—with gently sloping sides is ideal,” Winston says. “You can also add some flat stones or rocks to make the bath safer and more comfortable for birds. That will allow them to hop out and find their preferred depth of water to bathe in.”

Keep the Water Clean

Birds don’t need a Brita filter: Tap water and rainwater are both fine to use, Winston says. “But you need to replace the water every few days, particularly in warmer weather,” he notes. “And scrub the birdbath regularly with a stiff brush.”

Add Running Water

“The sound of dripping or running water is very attractive to birds and will advertise your bath to any bird within earshot,” Winston says. “You can purchase a drip specially made for birdbaths or simply allow a hose to trickle into it very slowly.”

Attract Hummingbirds With a Couple of Tricks

First, remember that hummingbirds prefer very shallow water. “They particularly like a sheet of water running over a flat rock or other flat surface,” Winston says. So again, you can place some flat stones in your birdbath to vary the depth of the water with hummingbirds in mind. Second, consider adding a water mister to the bath. “Hummingbirds will hover in the mist to bathe,” Winston says.

One last thing: Feel free to leave your birdbath out year-round! “Keep your bathing station open in the winter. Birds need water to drink and bathe in throughout the year,” Winston says. “Providing water when temperatures dip below freezing will bring the birds flapping.”