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Garden Bird Baths
Any bird needs to maintain their feathers in the best possible condition both for flight and for protection against the weather conditions. The birds take more of a shower than a bath by wading in the water and then beating their wings and shaking from side to side to spread the water over their bodies. Then they preen or comb their feathers removing dirt and insects. They also take oil with their beak from a gland at the base of their tail and spread it over the feathers to make them resistant to water.
The water in the bird bath does have to be very deep, no more then two to three with sloping sides if possible to imitate the natural puddles they usually bathe in. The water needs to be change frequently and the bowl or dish scrubbed clean every couple of days especially in the warmer weather. Don't place the bird bath near the feeder as the seeds and empty shells will drop into the bird bath as well as bird droppings. When cleaning the bird bath don't use bleach or household cleaning supplies as the birds are very sensitive to these chemicals. Just use a toothbrush or small scrub brush to wash off any dirt or algae that may form and rinse with clean water. If particularly dirty a small amount of mild dish liquid is all right as long as it is rinsed thoroughly.
Birds are particularly susceptible to predators especially cats so position the bird bath in a protected area near tree branches so the birds can quickly escape into them as they are most vulnerable when wet. But don't position it near bushes or buildings or anything that can conceal the presence of a predator.
For a beautiful addition to your backyard you can't go wrong with the Achla Copper Hummingbird Bird Bath. It is made of polished copper that will over time weather to varying degrees of green overtones. It has a flower shaped basin that is ideal for most birds with a brass hummingbird sculpture in the center. It can as well be used with a pedestal, which is not included, by way of the mounting hole underneath.
The Gardman Pedestal Bird Bath has an antique bronze colored finish and is crafted in a flower pattern. It is textured for smaller birds and is 2 1/2 inches in depth for larger birds as well. The pedestal base easily assembles to the basin and includes ground pegs for added stability. The plastic construction makes it weather and frost resistant.
If you're set on a hanging bird bath that can also be used as a standing one as well then the Opus Avant Garden Bird Bath might be the right match for you. It comes with 20 inch chains and a 2 foot ground spike . The fluted bowl 1 1/2 inches deep is crafted with three small birds drinking from the basin and is finished in a rich bronze, rust resistant coating.