Want More Birds in Your Garden? Set Up a Birdbath!

Would you like to attract more birds to your garden?

On warmer days, even a small birdbath quickly attracts birds. That way, you can enjoy all that fluttering and splashing: It’s so relaxing to watch!

Of course, you can buy a real birdbath at your local garden center or pet store, but…

You can easily make your own birdbath, too!

You can actually use just about anything for this. Any dish, deep plate, bowl, shallow container, or even a large lid will work. As long as it’s watertight, preferably not too deep, and sturdy or heavy enough to stay securely in place.

Place your bowl on a stand or raised surface. For example, a stone with a flat top, a boulder, a brick, a stack of tiles, a table, or an upside-down (terracotta) pot.

Find a spot for your birdbath near some bushes, a hedge, or other vegetation. This shelter will encourage birds to use your new birdbath more readily.

If possible, choose a spot that’s clearly visible from your patio, seating area, or even from inside your home. That way, you can really enjoy watching the birds flutter and bathe!

Fill your new birdbath with water and just wait patiently. They often find the birdbath faster than you think—especially on really hot days!

Be sure to change the water regularly to prevent unintentionally spreading diseases.

If you like, place a few stones or small pebbles in your water dish—especially if the dish or small tub is a bit deeper. Let the stones protrude just above the water.

This will also encourage butterflies and other insects to start using your birdbath more often.