Why do birds like to take baths?
“They just clean their feathers,” said Sarah Melton, manager of the Barn Nursery. “They get hot in the summer like the rest of us.”
She said birds frequent the puddles created by watering plants at the nursery, but for those who don’t have reliable puddle presence, a birdbath can be a nice way to reach out to the little flappers.
Birdbaths come in several materials. The most traditional is concrete. They range from “very plain and elegant,” Ms. Melton said, to elaborately carved pieces. The carvings can represent anything from Italian columns to frolicking squirrels.
Following concrete birdbaths in popularity is glazed ceramic. Stained in a variety of hues, a glazed ceramic birdbath can add a splash of color to a yard or even apartment balcony. Some of the ceramic baths come with removable bird ornaments on them.
“As objects of art, they’re just pretty,” said Ms. Melton. “It’s as much something to bring birds in as art for your garden.”
Particularly artful are painted glass birdbaths, which look like wide, shallow bowls. They can be purchased with a stand or alone and placed on a table or stone. Ms. Melton said a contrast of stacked rustic stepping stones or a concrete pedestal with a delicate glass bath would be an attractive conversation piece.
While birdbaths are meant to be attractive for human visitors and refreshing for feathered ones, the safety of the birds must be kept in mind. Small birds can drown in water deeper than about 4 inches, so Josh Cole, manager at Stockdale’s, recommends placing a rock, board or stick in the bottom of the bowl.
Human safety also should be a factor in selecting a bird bath. Many can be sold as two separate pieces — base and bowl. Mr. Cole said a single unit is good for homes with small children or pets who might knock the two components loose.
Some two-piece birdbaths at the Barn have locking features for added security.
And while most birdbaths are durable enough to withstand the winter cold, especially in Tennessee, a cover is advisable, according to experts. A birdie skating rink might be a fun idea, but stagnant, frozen water can expand and cause cracks.
Ultimately, buying a birdbath shouldn’t ruffle any feathers. And with so many options, there’s a birdbath aesthetic for every home.
“There’s hundreds of different styles,” said Mr. Cole. “It’s what you like.”