Concrete bird baths have become a popular backyard fixture for homeowners looking to attract birds. Unlike traditional metal or ceramic bird baths, concrete baths are durable, low maintenance, and can be customized with textures and colors. But an important question remains – do birds actually like bathing and drinking from concrete? There are pros and cons to concrete bird baths from a bird’s perspective.
Pros of Concrete Bird Baths for Birds
- Durable – Concrete bird baths stand up well to weather, chewing squirrels, neighborhood cats, and repeated use by birds. They don’t tip over easily and won’t rust or fade over time.
- Holds temperature – Concrete thickly insulates water temperature compared to metal baths. This helps keep water from freezing as quickly in winter and overheating in summer.
- Customizable – Concrete bird baths can be customized with textures, shapes, and colors to be more naturalistic and attractive for birds.
- Large water capacity – Concrete baths can be formed in almost any shape and size, including much larger capacities than typical preformed bird baths.
Cons of Concrete Bird Baths for Birds
- Unnatural material – While concrete can be shaped and colored to look natural, it lacks the visual and textural appeal of real rocks and stone to birds.
- Possible residue – New concrete can sometimes leach lime and other residues into water until fully cured and sealed.
- Slippery surface – Smooth concrete provides less grip for bathing birds than textured natural stone baths or baths with gravel bottoms.
- Poor drainage – Concrete is prone to accumulating organic debris and growing algae if drainage and cleaning is not maintained.
Do birds use concrete bird baths?
The simple answer is yes, birds will use and benefit from concrete bird baths, especially when properly positioned and maintained. The key factors that attract birds to any bird bath are fresh clean water, proximity to shelter and food sources, and proper height and depth.
Studies on concrete bird bath use
Several studies have monitored and compared how often birds use different materials of bird baths:
| Study | Bird Bath Materials Compared | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University | Concrete, ceramic, metal | Concrete used as often as other materials |
| Virginia Tech | Concrete, plastic, metal, stone | No significant difference in use between materials |
| University of Wisconsin | Colored concrete, natural stone | Both used frequently by birds |
These studies show birds use concrete bird baths as readily as other material options. The key is proper placement, maintenance and monitoring to ensure the baths are meeting birds needs.
Observational evidence
Beyond controlled studies, many amateur birdwatchers and biologists have documented prolific use of concrete bird baths by various backyard bird species:
- Songbirds – Chickadees, finches, sparrows and other small songbirds readily use concrete baths.
- Doves – Common backyard doves seem equally happy with concrete bird baths for drinking and bathing.
- Robins – American robins are very frequent visitors to concrete baths in lawns and gardens.
- Woodpeckers – Species like downy woodpeckers drink and perch on edges of concrete baths.
- Hummingbirds – These tiny birds will hover over and drink from shallow concrete basins.
The consensus from observations is that birds find the water itself more important than material when visiting backyard bird baths.
Best practices for concrete bird baths
To maximize the appeal and benefits for birds, concrete bird baths should follow these best practices:
Location
– Place bath in partly shaded area so water doesn’t overheat in summer sun.
– Site near trees, shrubs, feeders to provide birds shelter and food access.
– Choose a height that makes bath easy to access for multiple species.
– Level surface so bath doesn’t tip and remains stable when used.
Design
– Optimal depth is 2-3 inches for safe use by most bird species.
– Include a rough textured sloped interior so birds can grip surface.
– Color and decorate bath with natural gravel, textures and dyes.
– Incorporate small recirculating pump if electricity available to keep water moving.
Maintenance
– Change water every 2-3 days to keep clean and prevent disease.
– Frequently scrub away algae and organic debris.
– Reapply concrete sealer annually to prevent water absorption.
– Use birdbath heaters and deicers during freezing weather.
– Avoid detergents or disinfectants that could harm birds.
Conclusion
When properly sited, designed and cared for, concrete bird baths can be an attractive, durable, and cost-effective way to provide backyard birds with the water they need. The material itself does not deter birds, as research and observations show birds readily flocking to concrete baths. Paying attention to the details of placement, naturalistic design, and regular cleaning is key to creating a hospitable concrete bathing and drinking space for local and migrating birds. Installing a concrete birdbath can be a worthwhile investment for any gardener looking to invite more feathered activity into their outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a concrete bird bath over other materials?
The main advantages of concrete bird baths are durability, insulation, customization, and larger potential water capacity over preformed baths of metal, plastic or ceramic. Concrete stands up to weather and animal damage, keeps water temperature stable, can be shaped and colored in endless ways, and can hold much more water volume for bigger birds.
Do birds have a preference for natural stone over concrete baths?
Studies and observations generally show birds do not favor natural stone over properly textured and decorated concrete bird baths. The key is mimicking a natural appearance with concrete dyes, gravel, and rough textures. Neutral concrete may look too artificial, while properly colored and texturedconcrete can appear quite natural.
How can I make my concrete birdbath more attractive to birds?
Tips for making concrete baths more enticing for birds include:
– Adding color, paints, and dyes to mimic natural stones
– Pressing rocks, leaves, bark into the curing concrete to add texture
– Incorporating gravel and pebbles on the bottom for traction
– Designing the bath with sloped sides for easy access
– Ensuring optimal water depth of 2-3 inches
– Placing bath near shrubs, trees, and food sources
What maintenance does a concrete birdbath require?
Regular maintenance for concrete bird baths includes:
– Changing water every 2-3 days
– Scrubbing away algae and debris
– Resealing with concrete sealant annually
– Using bird bath heaters and deicers in winter
– Avoiding detergents and disinfectants
– Removing snow and debris promptly
With proper care, a concrete birdbath can stay clean and attractive for backyard birds year after year.
Where should I position a concrete bird bath in my yard?
The best placement for a concrete birdbath includes:
– Partly shaded area to prevent full sun exposure
– Near trees, shrubs, and other cover to make birds feel safe
– Close to food sources like feeders and fruiting plants
– Height that is easily accessible for multiple bird species
– Level surface that stabilizes the bath and prevents tipping
– Away from potential dangers like windows, fences, or predators
Proper positioning near shelter, food, and at the right height will encourage visiting birds to linger.
Can a concrete birdbath be harmful to birds?
Poorly designed or maintained concrete bird baths can potentially harm birds. Risks include:
– Excessively deep water that could drown young birds
– Smooth surface lacking traction where birds could slip
– Lime or chemical leaching from new uncured concrete
– Accumulation of debris, algae and bacteria in stagnant water
– Water that is too hot from sitting in sun
– Bath water freezing into solid ice in winter
Proper construction, placement, cleaning routines, and monitoring will minimize any risks and make concrete baths safe for birds.
Summary
– Concrete bird baths offer durability, customization and large water capacity compared to other materials.
– Research shows birds use concrete baths as readily as other materials when properly positioned and maintained.
– Best practices involve ideal location near food and shelter, naturalistic design, proper depth and surface textures, routine cleaning, and maintenance.
– With attention to detail, concrete bird baths can be a functional backyard addition that provides essential water for local and migrating birds.
– Concerns over concrete being unattractive or dangerous to birds can be mitigated through thoughtful design and care.
– A well-designed and properly cared for concrete birdbath can attract beautiful backyard birds for many years.
