Birdbath Alternatives To Provide Fresh Water For Birds

If you're looking for ways to attract birds to your yard, having a clean water source is essential, but classic birdbaths aren't for everyone. Some people have yards that are simply too small to accommodate a standard birdbath, while others feel the style is outdated. Regardless of the reason why you want to avoid a birdbath in your yard, fresh water is just as important for our feathered friends as food or shelter. Birds use their keen senses to identify suitable water sources, gravitating toward clean, protected, running water. With that in mind, there are several ways to incorporate fresh water into your landscape that aren't birdbaths.

It's always a good idea to give birds options, such as food or water at different height levels. However, it's always important to keep these essential items in areas that are protected from the elements and predators. You will want to make sure your birdbath alternative has running water or is refilled with clean water regularly. Backyard water features like multi-tiered fountains, rock ponds, and waterfalls are great options for birds because they mimic natural water sources that make them comfortable. However, upcycled items that provide clean standing water like black plastic trays, hanging water bowls, and old fire pits are still viable options as long as they are well-maintained.

Natural materials are familiar to birds, so it's no surprise they would be interested in a water feature made from repurposed wood. There are plenty of ways to repurpose an old tree stump into a stunning birdbath, but if you want to avoid the standard water basin look, you can use a hollowed-out tree stump instead. Clean out any old debris or rot and seal the wood with a bird-safe finish or wood oil to prevent water damage and pests from destroying your hard work. Clean and replace the water regularly.

The sound of running water attracts birds because it mimics naturally clean water sources, while different kinds of birds enjoy bathing at different heights. When you consider both of these factors, fountains with tiers just make sense. As an added benefit, the water spills over the edge of each layer to create an ideal perching space for birds to land without immediately getting their feathers wet. This makes it perfect for all types of feathered visitors, even if they are only stopping for a quick drink.

Adding a waterfall to your backyard may be simpler than you think. Forget classic birdbaths: This DIY water feature adds a splash of magic to any yard and it's easy to install. The idea of a garden waterfall is the same as a fountain. This project can be as easy or as complex as you want to make it. Some people opt for a professional landscaping installation, while others are happy using creative gardening to hide tubing and a water pump for an effective yet stunning feature.

You can turn a fire pit into a yard feature that birds love, but you'll want to be careful about cleanliness. One of the most important things to consider when providing water sources for birds is clean water. Leaving standing water in a container too long can invite bacteria that may get birds sick, especially with regular communal bathing. Used fire pits can already have contaminants, so be sure to wash them thoroughly before using and add natural items to make birds feel more at home.

Ultimately, anything that holds water can be a birdbath alternative or a water garden. Water gardens are rewarding in so many ways, and you can add a bird attraction to that list. While you can make a water garden out of any water source, container water gardens are the perfect size for attracting songbirds to your yard. Most of the time, the purpose of a water garden is to create a unique aesthetic or grow water plants in your backyard, but birds are also drawn to it as long as the water stays relatively clean.

Black plastic saucers are another alternative that will make you want to forget traditional birdbaths. This affordable alternative is great for freezing winters because the color helps prevent the water from freezing. It works best if the container is placed in a sunny place away from a cold breeze. The black color will absorb the heat from the sun, providing a more reliable water source. That being said, you should still keep an eye on the water levels and keep an eye out for early signs of freezing as temperatures drop.

Backyard ponds are one of the best ways to provide a quality water source for birds without using a traditional birdbath. You can definitely attract more birds with a natural water source feature in your yard. This is a great option for birds that like to bathe closer to the ground. Plus, most backyard ponds have built-in filtration systems so the water is continually moving and getting cleaned. The larger size of the feature also helps prevent disease and contamination which is common for communal bathing areas.

A really simple way to make natural water features more inviting to birds is to add stepping stones or river rock. Whether you have an existing brook, a man-made pond, or you're looking to install something new; natural stones that sit just under the surface of running water are perfect for birds to rest, drink, and bathe in. The shallow water makes it more inviting for birds that don't want to get wet, especially in colder temperatures, but the running water signals to the birds that the water is clean enough to drink.

When your old garden containers have outlived their usefulness in the garden, you can convert them into water containers for birds that prefer smaller water sources. This is a sustainable way to reuse materials from your garden without sending them to the landfill. Certain smaller species feel more protected when the water source is smaller an not as crowded. Plus, this provides a versatile option to adjust placement depending on local wildlife preferences and the season.

A basalt fountain is a type of fountain with water that bubbles up from the center of a pillar-shaped natural stone. This beautiful yard feature adds character while providing birds with a comfortable, safe place to bathe and rehydrate. Similar to the concept of a layered fountain or placing natural stones just under the surface of the water, basalt fountains provide birds with a shallow slope to land on, giving them more versatility when deciding how to interact with the water source.

A fun way to provide a clean, safe water source for birds that are looking for something that sits a little higher than other options is to get creative with a plant holder. Hanging basket holders and pot racks are perfect for holding shallow bowls that you can fill with water. This provides a safe alternative for smaller song birds away from predators like cats while keeping other animals like squirrels from dumping the water. Plus, you can easily clean and replace the water as needed.

These mason jar watering stations are similar to hummingbird feeders, but instead of filling it with sugar water or nectar you fill it with fresh water. This option also provides a hanging water source for smaller birds that feel safer up high. This is just one of the many brilliant ways to use old jars to attract more birds to your yard. To make it work, fill the jar with water and attach it to a base. There are several options for the base, from a DIY pie pan dispenser to a repurposed chicken feeder.