Gardeners struggling to attract birds to their birdbaths may find a simple solution: adding pebbles or stones to the water. According to gardening expert Larry Hodgson, known as the Laidback Gardener, many birdbaths are too deep or slippery for birds to feel safe, deterring them from visiting.
Hodgson explains that birds prefer water no deeper than five centimetres, as it allows them to move easily and escape predators. Placing pebbles in the bath creates shallower areas where birds can stand, giving them a firmer grip and a sense of security. The stones also catch light, making the water more visible to birds flying overhead.
To prepare a birdbath, pile small pebbles along one side to create a gradual depth change, allowing birds to walk into the water. Alternatively, position two to four larger rocks so they poke above the surface, providing lookout spots. Scatter a few stones randomly to break up the water's surface, as open water can make birds feel vulnerable.
Shallower areas attract smaller birds like robins, wrens, and tits, while deeper sections draw blackbirds, starlings, and sparrows. The entire process takes no more than five minutes and is an effective way to encourage daily bird visits throughout summer.
