Moving a birdbath to a sunnier part of the garden could make it far more attractive to visiting birds this autumn, according to an expert. A simple 10-minute task in October can ensure the water stays at a comfortable temperature and encourage birds to return regularly.
Why position matters in autumn
October is when more birds appear in gardens, drawn by fallen seeds, making a birdbath more useful than a feeder at this time of year. Many natural water sources become dirty as leaves blow about, so birds need somewhere clean to drink or bathe.
Birds are cautious creatures and will only use a birdbath if it is placed in the right spot. Matt from Garden Ornaments explained that most birdbaths need to be positioned where they receive plenty of morning sunlight, otherwise birds are likely to ignore them.
Morning sun and the ideal location
He said: “Birds bathe most actively in the first half of the day, particularly mornings between 7am and 10am…a bath catching morning sun warms the water slightly, making bathing more comfortable.”
Autumn nights turn chilly, and a birdbath in a heavily shaded area will hold freezing cold water when birds want to use it. Placing a birdbath right out in the open is also a poor choice, as it can get too hot in the afternoon, encouraging algae or bacteria to spread quickly.
The best location is an east or southeastern part of the garden, where the bath gets plenty of morning sunlight while being partially covered later in the day. This keeps the water at the right temperature and makes birds more likely to return regularly.
Keeping birds safe and water clean
Gardeners should avoid northern areas or spots directly underneath a tree, as the water will stay cold and stagnant all day. A birdbath should also be placed at least three to five metres away from trees, hedges, bushes or anywhere cats like to lurk.
Giving birds space from plants lets them spot predators approaching, while still being close enough to retreat quickly if a cat appears. Many gardeners make the mistake of leaving birdbaths next to feeders, which allows droppings to fall into the water and make it unsafe to drink.
Keeping birdbaths at least three metres away from feeders will keep the water clean for longer and help prevent disease from spreading. Taking 10 minutes to move a birdbath to a better position is one of the kindest ways to help birds and should guarantee plenty of wildlife visits this autumn.
