Enjoying a solar bird bath

A solar bird bath placed in a garden is a wonderful way to attract the birds to your backyard. A solar bird bath incorporates a number of options that a regular bird bath does not. They include lighting for night time use, a water fountain for soothing sounds of water, and a heater can be installed that helps prevent the water from freezing during the winter months.

Some solar bird baths come fully self-contained which means the solar panels are built into the unit. Some other units have solar panels that are separate from the unit but are attached using a wire. A self-contained bird bath will have to be placed in a sunny area that will absorb the suns energy. The other type of solar bird bath can sit anywhere in your garden, even the shade, but be sure to place the solar panel in the sun to absorb the energy.

The solar bird bath will only operate if the panel is receiving the suns energy; unfortunately, on rainy days or cloudy days, the bird bath will not operate. A small battery pack can be installed in the bird bath in order to operate on these days or during the night. In order for the solar bird bath pump to operate underwater, the water needs to be clear of all debris. If you live in the north where you have freezing days during the winter you may want to install a heater in the solar bird bath so the water will not freeze. The bird bath pumps must be protected from freezing.

Sometimes a solar water fountain can be used as a bird bath, self-contained or not, because the sounds they make are the same as the solar bird bath and will still attract wild birds. Water is just as valuable to the birds as their shelter and food if you want them coming around your patio or garden. The birds are attracted by the sound of running or moving water and not water that is standing still. The only thing you will attract with stagnant water is mosquitoes looking for a spot to lay their eggs.

A heated solar bird bath keeps the water just warm enough so it will not freeze. Even in the winter, the birds need to keep the feathers clean; installing a solar heated bird bath is much better for the birds. These solar bird baths that are heated are better suited in the areas that have problems with water freezing.

The benefits of a solar bird bath are:

• If they are self-contained there is no installation.
• There is no energy cost.
• They can be moved around easily.
• No operating costs.

It can be very relaxing to watch the birds come visit a solar bird bath. Sometimes it is for a bath or just a drink; it is very interesting to see how they take care of themselves and interact with other birds.

By Barbara Volkov