Providing water on your wildlife porch, patio, or deck can mean anything from a shallow saucer to a barrel pond or a formal fountain. Saucers and even birdbaths are perhaps easier to maintain, while barrel water gardens and fountains can be a creative touch.

Refilling Water Sources

Although all types of water sources need refilling, birdbaths, water dishes, and other small containers need frequent re-filling. And since critters have a hard time drinking ice, providing fresh water every winter day is especially important unless you invest in a heater.

Water Source Requirements

Different kinds of wildlife have different requirements when it comes to water. The type of container, the depth of the water, the content, and the location of the water source are each important to attracting the critter you want.

Barrel Pond

Although a barrel pond is a source of water that will attract fascinating squirrels and insects like dragonflies, it can be dangerous for small birds.

In my case, I have a water garden made out of a large plant container. I found a flower-staking unit with a circular, gridded top that fits the plant container. The grid prevents birds from drowning in the plant container.

Shallow Container

The shallow container is a much better choice for birds. With a depth of less than 3 inches, the container can be anything from a small saucer to a birdbath to a bowl fixed to the side of a wall, balcony, tree, or fence.

Quick tip: if you live in a windy area, weigh down small saucers with a rock. I've learned that the hard way!

Gravel and Mud

A dish or saucer of gravel and water is appealing to bees and other small flying insects. One of moist mud is a butterfly favorite and may even attract toads if at ground level.

Birdbath Critters

A birdbath isn't necessarily just for the birds. At a height, a birdbath may host dragonflies and squirrels. A birdbath or shallow pond at ground level can host bees and dragonflies as well as small mammals, toads, and lizards.