Bird bath

A bird bath (or birdbath)[1] is an artificial puddle or small shallow pond, created with a water-filled basin.

Bird baths that provide a reliable source of water year round add to the popularity and "micro-habitat" support.

[2] Bird baths can be pre-made basins on pedestals and columns or hang from leaves and trees, or be carved out depressions in rocks and boulders.

Deeper or wide basins can have "perch islands" in the water, which can also help discourage feline predators.

[3] Elevation on a pedestal is a common safety measure, providing a clear area around the bird bath that is free of hiding locations for predators.

The first purpose-built bird bath was developed by UK garden design company, Abrahm Pulman & Sons in the 1830s.

Some bird baths use a recirculating pump as part of a fountain or water feature, and can include filters, a float valve-water connection for automatic refilling, or a drip irrigation emitter aimed into the bowl.

[4] The traditional bird bath is made of molded concrete or glazed terra cotta formed in two pieces: the bowl and the pedestal.

Birds seem unconcerned with the aesthetics, with even a shallow plate, pie-tin, or puddle below a slowly dripping water outlet used.

Leaning a stick or flat rock against the bird bath rim as a ramp to allow them gradual access into the water may allay their fear.

Using companion planting and the birds' insect cuisine habits is a traditional method for pest control in an organic garden, and any landscape.