Should A Bird Bath Be Placed In The Sun Or Shade?

For those who love bird watching, choosing the right bird bath can feel like a big decision that can add visual appeal to your property. Just as important, however, is choosing the right spot for said bird bath. While there's nothing more lovely than seeing birds splash about in a sunny basin of water, you might want to think again and opt for a shadier spot instead.

Although a sunlit bird bath might seem ideal to you, placing yours in a spot that is brightly lit could actually lead to some undesired results. As algae thrives in hot conditions, positioning your bird bath in the sun gives it exactly what it needs to bloom and multiply quickly. Where algae is prone to growing can also hint at mosquitoes' likelihood to lay eggs, too, since they both require the same conditions: warm and still water.

Yet another unpleasant side effect of a sunny location for your bird bath is that the water will evaporate more quickly, leading to less water for visiting birds. Then, there's the issue of overly hot bird baths — a particular concern if the basin is made from metal, which can heat up in the sunlight and burn birds' feet. All in all, choosing a shaded spot for your bird bath should be a top priority if you want your avian friends to have access to clean hydration at safe temperatures, and if you don't wish to create breeding grounds for mosquitoes in the process.

For some, placing a bird bath in the shade will be as easy as moving it a few feet over so it rests comfortably under a tree. Those who don't have naturally shaded spots on their property, however, might find this more of a challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to add shade to your yard without any trees. Hanging a shade sail in your yard can bring a large, shaded footprint to your property without costing too much; the only challenge is that you must secure it from several sturdy points. You can anchor one corner to your house or add posts to your yard to create your shaded oasis.

While a foliage wall won't add shade for the entire afternoon, it can help your bird bath reap several hours of respite from the sun if you properly position it. A west-facing trellis — like this IKEA find that adds privacy to your outdoor space — with the bird bath positioned to the east of it, can create a shaded footprint, effectively blocking the bird bath from direct, glaring, afternoon sunlight. You could also plant a wall of fast-growing privacy trees for your yard, which will deliver a naturally shady spot in your yard within a matter of years. 

Finally, if you're simply unable to add shade to your yard but don't want to part with your bird bath, regularly changing the water and scrubbing the basin can eliminate the algae and mosquito egg concerns, and opting for a stone bird bath decreases the chances of scalding perching birds' feet.