Birdbaths can be a lifeline for birds during hot summer days, but many garden owners find that their baths go unused. The issue is often that birds avoid slippery or steep surfaces, as they need a secure footing to feel safe from predators. According to gardening expert Larry Hodgson, famously known as the Laidback Gardener, the solution is remarkably simple: add a handful of pebbles or stones.
Birds prefer water no deeper than five centimetres, as it allows them to move easily and escape quickly if threatened. Placing stones in the bath creates shallower areas where birds can stand, giving them a firmer grip and a sense of security. Mr Hodgson advised: 'Simply put pebbles or stones on the bottom, or even just a rock with a sloping top, so that at least one section is shallower than the rest or even exposed, offering a variety of depths.'
Adding stones also makes the bath more visible to passing birds, as they catch the light on the water's surface. For best results, pile small pebbles along one side to create a gradual slope, allowing birds to walk straight into the water. Placing two or four larger rocks that poke above the surface provides lookout spots for birds to scan for predators, helping them feel at ease.
Scattering a few stones randomly breaks up the water's surface, which can otherwise leave birds feeling vulnerable. Shallow areas attract smaller species such as robins, wrens, and tits, while slightly deeper sections draw blackbirds, starlings, and sparrows. The whole process takes no more than five minutes and is one of the most effective ways to encourage birds to visit your garden this summer.
