BirdbathsBirdbaths are a simple water feature that can be added to any landscape. If you would like to have water in your yard and don't want the trouble of some of the other water features, birdbaths are a great alternative. They can be the traditional standing water baths or one of the newer baths that have circulating water. Still baths, pictured below, have to be filled regularly and require cleaning frequently since there is no water circulation.
In recent years they have come out with circulating baths that are in many styles and sizes. They are more difficult to place since they either require power or solar energy but they are much cleaner. I strongly suggest the electric over the solar since solar has not improved enough to consistently power a pump. If you choose to go solar, try the type with no rechargeable batteries. They simply run when the sun is directly on them, there is no charging. Since I have several water features in my yard I chose to go with the still bath and placed it in one of my flower and vegetable beds. It works out very well since I am attracting bees to the bath in beds that need pollination. My experience has taught me that bees prefer still water over moving or circulating water. Having the bath in this location is a bit of a struggle since the full sun requires me to clean it frequently. The designs and sizes of baths have change so dramatically in recent years it's sometimes hard to distinguish them from fountains. When you look closely though you will see that there is an area of standing water. Normally circulating baths will have very small pumps which use little energy since the idea is to only move water not thrust it. At a very minimum adding a birdbath is a great way to add water to the yard. It also attracts a wide variety of birds, butterflies and other species for all to enjoy.
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