If you have installed a birdbath in your garden, you likely enjoy observing the seasonal arrivals of various bird species — with robins ranking among Britain's most beloved. Birds will frequent your garden if you supply sufficient food and a birdbath where they can keep themselves clean.
Simple Addition to Attract More Birds
There is one particular addition you can make to your birdbath that will attract all manner of species, from robins to blue tits, finches and thrushes, ensuring they continue returning to a reliable water source. A gently sloping, shallow birdbath is perfect for enticing robins into your garden. Given their small size, the gradual incline allows them to use it without risk.
However, if your birdbath lacks this feature, you can place stones or rocks inside to provide additional stability and something for them to grip, according to Wales Online.
Natural Stone vs Polished Stone
Gardeners discussing the topic on Reddit advise opting for natural stone rather than polished varieties, which birds may slip on. One user suggested the finest option is "natural rock without algae on top isn't too slippery." They went on to say: "Maybe don't use some manually polished stone, that could get slippery indeed."
A fellow contributor added: "I put some flat natural stones in mine, and the little birds often use them. It's fun to watch them building up the nerve to try one out for the first time."
Ideal Birdbath Placement and Maintenance
The perfect location for your garden water feature should be reasonably close to shelter and shade, while remaining clearly visible to smaller birds. It is essential to change the water in bird baths every day, while ensuring they remain free of ice throughout the winter months.
Regular cleaning is equally important to keep the water source hygienic and attractive to visiting birds. Dirt and algae can accumulate rapidly in bird baths, yet there is a simple trick that can considerably cut down on grime using just a single item you likely have in your purse or pocket. The copper found in 1p or 2p coins acts as a natural biocide, possessing properties that prevent algae from taking hold. Be sure to give any coins a thorough clean before placing them into the bird bath.
RSPB Advice on Feeding Birds
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has recently released urgent advice calling on people to stop putting out seeds for garden birds from May 1. The bird conservation charity introduced revised guidelines which took effect this month and will remain in force until 31st October. The RSPB has warned gardeners, bird lovers and amateur birdwatchers against offering birds seeds or peanuts, amid concerns that feeding birds during the spring and summer months, despite the best of intentions, is in fact contributing to the spread of disease.
