Looking after wild birds during the hot weather is crucial, and this simple £5 B&M bird bath makes it easier than ever – and will also attract more wildlife to your garden
One of the best things about being able to sit in your garden during the summer is watching the birds come and go – and now you can attract even more with this B&M buy.
Keen gardeners will know there are certain plants and trees that can attract wildlife, and now B&M have launched a brand new ceramic bird bath for just £5 that will make your garden even more appealing.
Not only will it add a nice feature to your open space, making it look like a pretty and a serene oasis, it will also help wild birds keep cool this summer as well.
It’s a great way to entice beautiful birds to come and take a splash, while elevating your outdoors and can come in either green or sage, helping it blend into your garden. A bird bath can be a vital source of water for drinking and bathing for birds, in both hot and cold weather.
According to the RSPB, a good bird bath has a simple, sturdy construction, but is light enough to make it easy to clean and refill. It needs to have shallow sloping sides with a shallow approach to the water. Ideally, water depth needs to range from 2.5 cm to 10 cm (1-4 inches) to allow each species to bathe at their preferred depth.
They also said the surface of the bath must be rough so birds can grip it with their claws and not slip and urged people to avoid shiny, slippery containers. It should be large enough to hold sufficient water to withstand a vigorous bathing session by a flock of starlings.
The RSPB added: “Many people put food out for birds, but fewer provide a regular supply of clean water. Birds need water for drinking and bathing. Bird baths are particularly important during the winter when natural supplies may be frozen, and in dry conditions that occur mainly during summer.”
It’s also important for birds to be able to wash so they can keep their feathers in good condition – and bathing is an “important part of feather maintenance. Dampening the feathers loosens the dirt and makes the feathers easier to preen.” Having a birdbath is also a good way to attract birds that don’t eat seeds and wouldn’t otherwise come to your feeders.
But it’s important to keep them clean warns the RSPB. “Being small and enclosed, bird baths can easily become dirty and stagnant, and even dangerous, without regular cleaning. Rinse out the bath daily to remove any build-up of bird droppings, algae, dead leaves and other debris, and refill with clean water.”
Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]