Goodbye, Traditional Bird Baths: The Deck-Mounted Walmart Find That's Also A Beautiful Fountain

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While standard bird baths consist of shallow basins filled with stagnant water, there's a Walmart find that's specifically designed for sunny deck railings — and it comes with its own water feature. The Specstar Deck-Mounted Bird Bath secures to railings up to 3.9 inches thick and features a solar-powered fountain that both you and your feathery friends can enjoy. The basin itself comes in three finishes: bronze, copper, or green, and it has a weather-resistant coating to prevent fading, regardless of temperature changes or sun exposure. The metal frame is supportive but subtle enough that it doesn't overshadow the beauty of the piece. You can even easily clean the bird bath by removing the basin instead of disassembling the entire structure.

Online, it gets 4.1 out of 5 stars and mostly positive reviews. Despite a few customers stating that the instructions were confusing and that the fountain pumps need frequent cleaning, the majority were satisfied with the product based on its price, appearance, and ability to attract birds and other wildlife. Overall, considering that it costs less than $30, it's more budget friendly than other deck-mounted products. It even comes with everything you need to set it up (minus the water, of course). In addition, real bronze or copper bird baths can cost $100 or more, but this durable plastic option is easy to maneuver and has the look of metal without the price or weight. 

Customers emphasized that larger songbirds loved this bird bath. They mentioned seeing everything from crows and mourning doves to other critters like squirrels and outdoor cats. Since it's both a bird bath and a fountain, it's deeper than the average bird bath. It's important to note that the product description has two different depth measurements listed, with one being 3.5 inches deep and the other being 4.1 inches. Regardless, most birds aren't comfortable bathing in water that's more than 2 inches deep (due to a risk of drowning). You can potentially attract more birds by adding a layer of pebbles to the bottom (this will also give them a place to grip). The depth of the bird bath may make it incompatible with smaller birds, but you can always add more layers of pebbles to the bottom or keep the water level more shallow (ideally under 1.5 inches deep). Just keep in mind that the solar fountain will work better if there's more water.

The product is advertised as being sturdy enough for large birds to perch on without fear of the bath tipping over like it could if you just had a tabletop bath or dish resting on a deck railing. One customer noted that birds knocked the fountain out of the bird bath, so that's something to be aware of. The basin measures 13.2 inches long and 11.4 inches wide, while the solar fountain measures 6.3 inches in diameter, so there should be enough room on all sides for birds to bathe in the water. However, you can always remove the solar fountain if this becomes an issue. 

As mentioned, the Specstar bird bath can fit on railings up to 3.9 inches thick, so make sure to measure the width and depth of the proposed installation spot before purchasing. This product may not be suitable for thin or rounded railings. One customer said it worked on a wrought iron surface, but its size and shape was unclear. If you want to put the bath on an apartment railing, be mindful of how water splashes and noise could affect neighbors below and around you. In addition to having a sturdy foundation, the spot needs to get direct sunlight in order for the fountain to work. Opt for the lowest setting in areas with intense sunlight. This could help prevent water loss and appear more friendly to birds. You can also manipulate the water spray pattern by testing one of the three nozzle options.

Since the basin is removable, install the deck mount first, and then set the basin inside and fill it with water. Changing out the water regularly may also help keep the bird bath clean and prevent bacteria plus debris buildup in the fountain pump — a common complaint among reviewers. A specific customer review mentioned putting a copper disc in the basin to help reduce algae and bacteria — something to think about. There were also a few complaints that the product came with missing parts or a dysfunctional solar fountain, so test it right away to determine if you need to return it. Use the straw mounts provided to keep the fountain from floating around and spilling water out the sides of the bath.