Swap Your Simple Bird Bath For A Bird Pond. Here's How

From listening to the chirp of their song on frosty winter mornings while you sip your coffee, to watching them flit and flutter in your yard on long, summer afternoons, having birds in your garden always brings a sense of calm, wonder, and peace. You may have a bird bath in your yard, which your feathered friends visit throughout the seasons. But, if you want to elevate the charm of your outside space and keep birds flocking to your yard, you may want to consider installing a bird pond. But before you do, you need to work out if it is suitable for you, and plan it according to the space you have, as well as adhere to any rules in your area.

When it comes to bird baths vs bird ponds, there are a few reasons why you may want to opt for a pond in your yard. Firstly, these tend to be larger than bird baths, and create a natural ecosystem by working with the shrubs, flowers, and trees that surround them. Unlike bird baths, you won't need to be constantly refilling the bird pond, with the rainwater often keeping it topped up. Ponds also attract more than just birds to your garden, making them a haven for beneficial insects and amphibians. However, a bird pond does take a little bit more work than a bird bath. There are seasonal maintenance tasks that you will need to do throughout the year, and buying the lining, plants, and other additions means that it will often cost more than a bird bath. But, if you have the time and means, a bird pond can be a great way to attract birds to your garden and create a mini ecosystem. 

Planning is super important when you want to install a bird pond. You can't just dig a hole and fill it with water! The first step of planning is to check with the regulations in your area to ensure you can build a bird pond, as there may be depth and size restrictions. Once you have confirmed that you can add a bird pond to your yard, have a think about the size. Many common garden birds don't need a really big pond, as they just need shallow pools for drinking and bathing. Once you have planned the size of your bird pond, you can dig the area, lay down the liner, and start filling it.

To ensure that your pond is inviting to birds, it needs shallow edges. Most ponds should be around 20 inches deep, but adding a shallow shelf around it allows birds to use it easily. This shallow area should have sand or rocks on top of the liner, as this provides the birds with footing. You should pick native plants to add to the pond and the surrounding areas that attract birds, and you could even create a brush pile next to the water for birds to hide and nest in. Although you don't need to add a pump to a garden pond unless you have fish, a waterfall, or a fountain, adding a recirculating pump can create movement and noise that attracts birds. 

By adding a pond to your garden, you are creating a sanctuary not just for birds, but also for you. Once the pond begins to bring birds into your yard, you can sit outside after a hectic day, watch wildlife, and let nature heal the stress.