Goodbye Traditional Birdbaths — There's A Lowe's Find That Doubles As Garden Art

Adding a birdbath to your place is a simple and easy way to attract birds. The issue, however, is that traditional birdbaths all look the same. Or, even if you can manage to find something that is unique and decorative, it may be too bulky, in which case you won't exactly have an easy time moving it around if you want to rearrange your space. But, no need to worry — if you want something lighter and more decorative, the Minuteman International copper birdbath available at Lowe's is one option worth considering. 

What makes this birdbath unique is that, unlike most birdbath designs, it does not just have a single bowl on a solid pedestal. Instead, it has two copper basins that are set among tall wrought iron cattails and narrow metal leaves. This gives it the shape and visual rhythm of a garden sculpture. As for the size, the birdbath stands about 50 inches tall and has a 36-inch spread. The birdbath is also straightforward to install. All you have to do is push its spiked base into the ground, and that is it.

Buyers seem to like it, too. The birdbath has a nearly perfect rating on Lowe's, and although it has only a few reviews, they are all quite positive. Customers consistently mention that the birdbath is easy to assemble, and it looks like a proper sculpture. Just keep in mind that this birdbath is selling for just over $145. So, if you want, you can alternatively try turning a simple birdbath into a decorative feature and save your money instead.

Decorative metal birdbaths like the Minuteman International copper birdbath sure do look great, but when it comes to birdbaths, looks are not the only things that matter. You need to make sure that the birdbath is safe, practical, and friendly for birds, too. Start with the location. Place the birdbath in dappled shade out of full sunlight, as metals absorb heat quickly when exposed to the sun, and this might make the visiting birds uncomfortable. Placing the birdbath in shade also reduces evaporation and inhibits fungal growth, so you will have to refill and clean your birdbath less frequently. Also, try to place the birdbath where it is easily visible but still away from spots like bushes and shrubs where predators could hide and attack the birds. 

It is also important to note here that metals can get slippery when wet. So, make sure to also add some pebbles and stones, on which birds can securely land without slipping into the bowl. Just make sure that the pebbles and stones you use are clean and don't dissolve in water. Keep the water depth in the birdbath around 1 inch, too. Birds, especially small ones, are discouraged by water that is too deep. 

Although one often-cited 1998 study claims that copper may be unsafe for birds, modern veterinary studies indicate that only significant quantities of ingested copper cause harm to animals. Metallic copper is not very soluble in water. However, to ease your mind, an aquarium copper test kit can provide additional insight into whether copper levels in your water are safe for animals. Lastly, clean your birdbath regularly. It is recommended that you clean your birdbath at least twice a week and make sure that you get rid of all the debris to keep it safe for the birds.