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Yellow Warbler perched on rim of stone bird bath

Can bird baths be on the ground

Ever wondered what it will be like to put a bird bath on the ground, well you don't have to be concerned as a ground level bird bath can see a lot of additional wild bird activity.

Bird baths can be on the ground but I would use it as a secondary bird bath, of which can be put on the lawn or turf, as well as on a table top, old tree stump or garden furniture - in order to prioritize a prime location. Ground bird baths must be visible to passing birds yet to sit it on stones can protect it from corrosion.

Treat a ground level bird bath just as you would any kind of bird bath situated out in the open, up on a stand to keep it up to 3 feet off the ground.

You absolutely can put a bird bath on the ground whereby you'd utilize a specialist ground level bird bath rather than simply putting what is a bath bath on a stand - or one that hangs - on the ground thinking that is all that's needed when it simply doesn't look right or can be unstable due to it not being made to go on the ground.

Well they're not because ground bird baths are made to have a flat bottom in which will keep it stabilized with no possible way it can move or tip.

Benefits of a ground bird bath certainly outperform other styles, and with that the bird bath on the lawn is open to all size bird species.

I would use a ground level bird bath as a secondary bath regardless, alongside one that is taking up the central location which will be clearly visible to birds.

Its worth noting a ground bird bath doesn't need to be on the ground at all, as you can re-position it higher up on garden furniture, an old tree stump, on a shed roof or why not position it on top of a safe wall.

All that is in an effort to situate the ground bird bath in a lit up area preferably in direct sunshine, if its in sunshine then most wild birds are likely to see it.

You'd still need to line the bird bath with pebbles or an additional rock or two to make it safe - whilst utilizing the all important ways to keep the water flowing which can attract birds to the bird bath via sounds and sights. Colorful bird bath sitting on the ground against a contrasting yet bland patio or lawn, will do well to grab birds attention.

Ground bird baths can be used

Heck yeah can bird baths be on the ground, and they'd work quite well too as wild birds who normally ignore feeders tend to forage down on the lawn.

Bird baths being on a ground position can be used as your primary bird bath, although there's an option to use it in addition to... a bird bath on a stand that would become the primary focus of visiting birds in your yard.

Ground bird baths don't literally mean what will probably be a made in stone bird bath sat on the ground, when in fact the water is still a couple of inches off the ground.

Benefits to a bird bath on the ground can help fill a void where a bird bath on a stand, or the hanging bird bath option - can't be pushed into an area that is frequented by birds, so doesn't cut it with other bird bath models other than the ground style.

I believe any bird bath must be used in winter although its worth remembering a ground positioned bird bath risks quickly being covered over in snow.

On the plus side with all the trouble it takes to prevent a bird bath tipping over, there's no risk with it at all with a ground level bird bath.

Of course a stone bird bath in particular would compliment a low level environment, but then it can be difficult to utilize a bird bath running water device where a bird bath on a stand, is better suited.

Ground level taken up by many

I promise there's no particular bird species who likes bird bath over others, because at certain times of the year a bird bath becomes a matter of life and death for all.

That isn't to say you won't see more bird species over others using your bird bath, when it does finally get taken up by birds.

Who will benefit most on a ground bird bath wherever it may be positioned - but must remain visible yet unobstructed - are Northern Cardinals of course and let's not forget about the all important Blue Jays.

Redness of the Cardinals with the unmissable blue of Blue Jays are always spotted bathing or sitting around the rim of any kind of bird bath.

Ground level bird baths will see an uptake of mostly ground eating birds like Cardinals, Jays or even Pigeons.

Whereas birds commonly seen on the bird feeder like most Finches, Warblers and the occasional Bluebirds will be happy to use a ground bird bath.

Where you place your bird bath is important as the larger species in particular can be restricted due to their size.

With many birds likely to use a ground bird bath with no restrictions set in place, let's not forget that nuisance pests like raccoon's or squirrels could drink out of a bird bath with ease - along with snakes who will use a bird bath at ground level.

Prioritize visible location

Bird baths can be on the ground of course but its important that you don't necessary prioritize your ground bird bath as the only option.

Personally I use a ground bird bath but only as a secondary option alongside what will be a bird bath located in the open, in a lit up area - which is probably in the center of the lawn for most yard layouts.

Do prioritize a visible location for birds who would normally land in your yard briefly to rest, as well as grabbing the attention of any birds who pass overhead during the day. If you want birds to use your bird bath it must be seen.

Likely position for a bird bath can be on a patio placement or pushed into a turf area on either side of the yard.

The idea behind tucking a ground bird bath into the side of the yard is to fill a void in an empty space, or at least present a water source where ground feeding birds like Blackbirds or American Robins would normally occupy, in what would be a dead space.

Ground level bird baths can be put on the lawn, gravel, patio or deck if you like, providing the location remains clearly visible to birds.

Protect bird bath sat on stones

With a bird bath sat on the ground the likely material a ground bird bath will be made in, is stone for reasons of compliment the stonework of any personal property.

Weathering effect will begin in no time at all thus your once spotless stone ground bird bath will become a little on the rough side. Don't take that as a negative as the weathering effect can help blend the bird bath into its new environment.

You can protect a stone bird bath or what might be a cast iron or ceramic ground bird bath by cleaning it regularly of course.

In fact, whatever direction you go its vital you clean your bird bath on a regular basis to sustain the water in which birds must drink or bathe in.

What you can do to protect a ground bird bath in particular, is to at least rise it off the ground ever so little - to prevent mold or algae due to damp conditions where the bird bath will always be sat on.

In a subtle way you can rest the bottom of the ground bird bath on a level of pebbles or stones, to keep the bird bath off the ground to stop it getting messy early on.

Air flow can now pass underneath the bird bath thus allow it to fully dry whenever the area gets a little on the wet side.

Keeping the area around a ground bird bath is important to prevent mold, algae and of course to stop it weathering in an undesirable way.

Elevated bird bath still focal point

Bird baths come in all styles and designs, in particularly those that are made to hang off a bracket or branch - or bird baths designed to be on a stand.

Bird baths on a stand - or what you can call a pedestal - continue to be a popular choice when setting up a bird bath for the first time.

People like to make a bird bath on a pedestal as the focal point in their yard, to be used as ornamental or indeed in conjunction with a real working, functional bird bath that is actively used to attract birds.

No such thing can happen with a ground bird bath as an elevated bird bath will always divert wild birds attention.

It can be due to the prime location but its mostly down to what is a bird bath sitting up to 2 or 3 feet off the ground, which is a little safer than a ground level water source.

What I will advice is to only use what are the best ground bird baths which are those that can be put on any kind of surface around the yard, which can compliment the area if it isn't just made in stone.

To summarize up

Bird baths can be on the ground and must be if you want larger, but often exclusive ground feeding birds to take advantage of your bird bath ground location.

I wouldn't use a ground level bird bath as my prime water source for birds, when it must be used in conjunction with what is a bird bath on a stand - located in the center of the yard as a kind of primary bird bath.

Ground bird baths guarantee great success if your yard is frequented by ground eating birds already - although you must push the bird bath into the territory they occupy daily.

No limit to what birds can use a ground bird bath with the much larger Blue Jays or slightly smaller Cardinals - the even smaller Blackbirds, Robins or Finches - all likely to bathe or hydrate in a ground bird bath.

Location is important of course because an unseen bird bath is an unused bird bath.

Set the ground bird bath in a lit up area that would be in direct sunshine to guarantee its seen by wildlife. If the sun is super strong then shade must be prioritized in a way to stop the heat drying up the water.

Ground level bird baths can be set aside somewhere in the yard which will be on the lawn in what could be stones or a muddy patch, if that is where birds are frequently seen.

And just because its sold as a ground bird bath that doesn't mean you can't situate it on a higher point around the yard, in a way it can be better seen.

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