Where to place a birdbath in your garden

If bird lovers and landscape architects could agree on one thing, it's this: a bird bath adds so much to even the simplest of outdoor spaces. Plus, a bird bath is great at attracting birds, especially in the summer season. But if you want your birdbath to be both functional and beautiful, you'll need to put it in the right place. In this article, we'll tell you exactly where you need to place a bath to attract birds to your backyard.

1. Place your birdbath somewhere safe

Above all else, the safety of visiting birds is essential. To ensure that birds are safe from predators, you need to think carefully about where you install the birdbath.

Your job is to limit visiting birds' exposure to predators. Birds need to not worry about predators (including your Goldendoodle or the neighborhood cats) while they drink or clean their feathers. To help them feel secure, make sure there's a retreat nearby. Nearby bushes or trees will do—but they shouldn't be so close that a predator could hide in it!

Related: How to choose the best bird bath for hummingbirds

2. Prioritize clean, fresh water for a bird bath in garden areas

Another thing you'll need to consider: how you'll get clean, safe water for your birdbath—sometimes every day! Since you probably aren't going to run a backyard pipe to your birdbath, proximity to a hose (or to your kitchen) is essential. If you can't place a bath close enough to a house, you can always buy a hose extender to make your life easier.

You'll also need to find a way to keep the water clean. After all, you can't replace it constantly. By ensuring your birdbath isn't underneath a tree or a constantly blooming shrub, you'll keep most debris out of the water basin. Still, you'll need to watch out for algae, insects, and other concerns.

Since birds love (and rely on) birdbaths for fresh, clean water, both of these suggestions are really important.

3. Attract birds by making sure they can see their birdbath

Just like you and me, birds can't make use out of what they don't know about. If you want to welcome birds to your birdbath, make sure you place it somewhere visible.

Choosing a bird-friendly location should be something of a compromise. You'll weigh safety and fresh water—the most important things, of course—with your own desire to bird watch. Is there a place in your yard that meets all the criteria? If so, go for it!

4. Consider your bird bath's requirements

Now, when it comes to choosing a location for your birdbath, the hardest part might be decided for you. A fancy birdbath (or a dripper fountain) must be connected to a power source to operate. (This is because they offer moving water, which birds do love.)

Other bird baths and accessories are solar-powered. Those will need lots of sunshine to run.

Of course, if you don't want to deal with the power factor, you don't have to. There are plenty of traditional bird baths to choose from, like our best-selling two-tier bird bath.

5. Keep bird baths away from bird houses, feeders

While you may love living in a big, dense city, birds like wide-open spaces. They actually prefer distance between their bird baths, bird houses, and bird feeders. If you already have a bird house and a bird feeder in your yard, keep this rule of thumb in mind: six to seven feet of distance is key... and some experts recommend up to 30 feet of separation!

Related: How to place a birdhouse 

6. Think about the climate

Where you live—and the average temperature and sun exposure—will also influence bird bath placement. In hotter, sunnier climates, a shady position may be better. (Too much sun can also cause evaporation.) In colder areas or in the winter, the sun may be preferred.

Remember, if you need to place your birdbath in the shade, do so in a way that doesn't make birds vulnerable to predators... or cause debris to fly into the bathing basin.

7. Watch out for windows

Finally, while your windows might be great for birdwatching, they can pose a real risk to birds. Keep birdbaths a fair distance (maybe three feet or 36 inches) away from your windows to keep your visiting birds safe.

These seven tips should help you attract more birds to your garden or yard. Remember, consider predators, keep the water clean, and—above all else—ensure the birds are safe. (And don't forget to stake your birdhouse securely into the ground.)

But don't forget to have some fun, either! Upgrade your bath's basin by adding rocks, stones, or gravel. Not only will it look great, but it can prevent the bottom of the bath from getting too slippery. Then, add a fountain, give the birds a cute place to perch, and take plenty of pictures.

You placed a bird bath perfectly, now go and enjoy those splash sessions! And take a photo or two!

About Happy Gardens

Happy Gardens curates an online collection of unique, thoughtful garden decor and merchandise. Whether you've been searching high and low for an adorable bird house, a unique wind chime, or a charming rain chain, Happy Gardens has what you're looking for. After all, each product we stock and sell has been chosen to fill your outdoor space with charm and cheer. (Especially if you love birds.)

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