Biodiversity

On the ground

A shallow dish such as a terracotta pot plant saucer, placed on the ground in a protected spot amongst vegetation and rocks will attract lizards, geckos, skinks and dragons, insects, butterfly’s and small ground dwelling mammals.

in the trees

A shallow pot plant saucer or similar dish hanging in a tree will attract many birds and even arboreal mammals. Hanging shallow water bowls and dishes within the foliage of dense prickly shrubs provides protection for small birds such as wrens and finches coming to drink and bath. The prickly dense nature of the foliage will restrict access to larger more aggressive birds and limits a cats ability to climb into the shrubs to lay in wait.

On a pedestal

A solid bird bath on a pedestal or stand is good for small and large bird species and will provide addition support for larger species to stand on the edge to drink or bath without it swinging around or spilling. Pebbles, a rock or an old brick can also be placed in the centre of the bath for smaller birds. A rough surface is also recommended to prevent smaller birds from slipping in when drinking.

Correct placement of bird baths to minimise predation, is critical. Cats can quickly work out the watering and feeding patterns of birds and other wildlife species and will lie in wait beneath or within vegetation and concealing objects. Ensure your bird bath is placed a safe distance from potential hiding sites and located in such a spot that, if startled or threatened, the birds can dart for cover into an adjacent bush or tree branch.
 

choosing a good Location

In addition to choosing a safe location for your bird bath and additional drinking sites, it is also important to choose a shaded or partly shaded site. Water sitting in a shallow dish in direct sunlight will heat up very quickly. A dish of hot water in the direct sun will not be very welcoming to hot thirsty wildlife. Placing your birdbath and water sources in the shade will also reduce evaporation and potential for algal growth in the dish. In designing your backyard habitat and landscaping, consider views from within your house and look at placing features such as bird baths and drinking stations and food trees where you can enjoy watching your backyard neighbours from your office, lounge room, or kitchen without disturbing them. This will also allow incidental monitoring and observation on what species are using your backyard habitat.

important Hygiene tips

Many different birds and wildlife species may drink from and bath in your bird bath, or drinking stations. So it is important to regularly clean your bird bath and all water dishes every couple of days and fill with fresh clean water. To clean out algae or dirty stained dishes, never use soap or chemicals. Use a clean scrubbing brush or cloth (not used with household chemicals) and simply scrub clean.

To find out more about common backyard bird species, check out our Living with Wildlife page.