Water Features for Birds

Water is a powerful addition to any size space.

Birds, pollinators, and other wildlife will be drawn to it. See how people are adding all sorts of options to their properties.

bird bath in garden
Tennessee. While I am awaiting the rest of my plants to arrive, I have placed a birdbath and mealworm feeder in the garden area. I have also added 2 Blue Stemmed Golden Rod plants.
birdbath behind bush
Georgia. I added a small birdbath in between 2 native plants, an oak leaf hydrangea and black eyed Susan.
magnolia warbler in bird bath
Maryland. Our small patio attracts birds big and small – from Great Blue Herons to this Magnolia Warbler. Photo by Suman Kumar.
bird baths with solar panel
Washington. I added a home-made little birdbath at ground level, with a solar fountain to freshen the water and attract birds. I was surprised how many species love this feature. Photo by Jeanette Cole.
bird bath in garden
Washington. I have put in one low and one higher bird bath, with some regularly-cleaned rocks to help provide height out of the water for smaller birds and insects.
different times of water options
Colorado. Water for drinking or bathing either the small birdbath (heated in the winter/spring) or the bigger birdbath in the shade with cover. Photo by Leslie Jagoda.
small rock creek
Texas. I built a slow stream waterfall for the birds. I created dips in rocks for bathing and hummingbird friendly. Photo by Michelle VanDenBerghe.
corner bird bth and garden
New Jersey. I started my bird habitat in 2025. In 2026 I added a bird bath & new annuals & perennials. Photo by Joanne Evangelista.
rocks and water
Texas. We have a fountain water feature that was created from found rocks in our yard. The birds and other critters love it for baths and drinking. Photo by Angie McCowan.
corner garden with pots and water
Virginia. Added a hummingbird fountain bird bath to hummingbird garden. Also added more bee balm, salvia, coreopsis, aplectranthus and blue vervain, along with a few more new plants in this area.
bird using bird bath
New York. I have a bird bath/fountain that supplies fresh water for birds as they begin their nesting season. Photo by Margie O’Brien.
bird set-up with bird bath.
Pennsylvania. I added a red hummingbird nectar feeder, a new bird bath with solar fountain, and started 3 containers of wildflowers, zinnias and marigold seeds.
bird bath and bench
Maryland. I have added 4 different watering areas. This one is on the ground and birds love it! Photo by Ronda Martinez.
fountain bird bath
Texas. Running water, 2 tiers, hummingbirds love the top and the rest love the bottom basin. Also, sticks for perching and drying off. Photo by Cindy Millford.
bird using bird bath
California. I created a DIY water feature in my backyard. Since I made it, not only has my bird visitor population exploded, the variety of birds has as well. Photo by Jana Marquez.
stacked wood and bird bath
Quebec. Created a woodstack for our dark-eyed juncos! They have adopted it as their shelter. It is conveniently located near a birdbath. Photo by Julie Lamontagne.
ground bird bath
Massachusetts. I use terracotta dishes on the ground to provide water to bathe and drink. The terra cotta allows water evaporation to cool the water and if I’m away it will dry up and eliminate concerns about mosquito larvae. Photo by Janet Lane.
dug pond for birds
Washington. This bird-magnet pond I dug is screened by vegetation and a fence made from tree limbs that fell in a storm. Photo by Katherine Wimble Fox.
feeding bird area
Alabama. The birds love the birdbath. And the fuchsia plant is great for attracting hummingbirds.
pond used by mallads
British Columbia. Robins, Steller’s Jays, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Spotted Towhees have been seen using the 4 wildlife friendly stations built into the edge of the pond to bathe in. The mallards have been seen swimming and foraging around the edges. Will be interesting to see if they make a nest in the foliage near the pond. Photo by Anne Cotter.
glass bird bath
South Carolina. I provide fresh water, nest boxes and food. Everything is at the base of woods for protection. Photo by Maryann Rowe.
waterfall pond feature
Pennsylvania. Small pond I added at the edge of my garden with Pickerelweed growing in there. Many birds (pictured is a Chipping Sparrow) and toads come and enjoy the water. Photo by Fran Ott.
hawk at bird bath
Virginia. Our easy & inexpensive DIY dripper helps birds to discover our birdbath. Photo by Michelle Parry.

Providing Water Responsibly

Standing water does not need to be an open invitation for mosquitos to reproduce. If the water is emptied at least 1x a week, the mosquito reproductive cycle will be disrupted. In addition, we also recommend cleaning bird baths with a brush and mild detergent once every two weeks to minimize residue build-up. Rinse thoroughly before refilling. Having a moving water feature will also minimize the appeal to mosquitoes for laying eggs. We can provide water safely for birds while discouraging mosquitos.

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