While you're trying to help the birds beat the heat, don't let issues frustrate you.

Try these solutions.

1. Too Deep

If your birdbath is too deep, you won't attract many winged visitors. You might, unfortunately, find a drowned bird or two.

Pile pebbles in a deep birdbath to make it shallow, buy a bird raft, or try a shallower birdbath. An ideal birdbath is around 1-2 inches deep.

2. Too Dirty

A birdbath that collects debris, develops algae, or harbors mosquitoes usually needs more frequent water changes.

A fountain, water wiggler, or other water feature will help with the algae and mosquito problems and will likely attract a wider range of birds.

You can try preventing algae and mineral stains with a protective liquid or disposable packet.

Alternatively, float several sprigs of lavender flowers together with a day lily leaf and refresh every couple of weeks.

Cleaning

A heavy-duty nylon brush will work to scrub most birdbaths. Don't use the brush for anything else.

If you want to be as diligent as possible to kill off bacteria, clean the birdbath with hot, soapy water and a little bleach every week. Rinse well.

3. Tips Over

A birdbath that tips over frequently is too light.

Some solutions:

• Try to weight it down with pebbles or rocks
• See if it has a hollow base you can fill with water or rock (check for a plug at the bottom or top of the pedestal)
• Block the wind, block the animal knocking it over, or move the birdbath
• Buy a heavier birdbath
• Attach a birdbath to a deck railing, balcony, or wall
• Use a ground-level birdbath