A quality birdbath should meet certain criteria. Below are seven hallmarks you might want to check.

1. Shallow

The water source must have a water depth of less than 3" deep. You can add gravel or rocks to lessen the depth of a deeper container, but the gravel may make it harder to clean.

2. Rough-Lined

The birdbath insides must not be slick; birds need a rough-textured surface to cling to. The only exception: extremely shallow dishes with minimal side-walls.

3. Securable

Especially if lightweight, the birdbath should be weighed down or fixed to a surface or hanging framework so a strong wind doesn't carry it away. For example, choose a heavier pedestal birdbath or a birdbath that mounts to a deck or balcony.

4. Cleanable

You should rinse the water source often (depending on the frequency of your visitors and the amount of water) and, periodically, scrub it with a vinegar or 1:9 bleach solution and rinse thoroughly.

5. Manageable

Consider acquiring a water source you can easily handle (like this ground-level birdbath). You should be able to fill, clean, move, and lift the birdbath relatively easily.

6. Predator-Free

If possible, place the birdbath so less-mobile, wet birds have a quick escape -- perhaps a small container shrub nearby -- and place the water source out of jumping distance of cats or other predators.

7. Cold-Tolerant

If you live in a cold-climate, the birdbath should withstand alternating freezing and warming, for instance a aluminum birdbath. Birdbaths made from certain terra cotta, ceramic, cheap concrete, and plastics cannot handle being frozen and thawed frequently.

Examples

• Opus Lilypad Hanging Birdbath
• Ground-Level Birdbath from Duncraft
• Astonica Petite Cast Aluminum Birdbath
• Deck-Mounted Heated Birdbath from Duncraft
• Verdigris Dragonfly Birdbath & Pedestal

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