TIL most people put their birdbath way too close to cover

I kept seeing birds fly down to my birdbath, then bolt away before taking a drink. My neighbor in Boise, who's been birding for 20 years, pointed out the problem. I had the bath right under a big lilac bush, thinking it gave them a safe spot to hide. He explained that birds feel trapped if they can't see predators coming from all sides. He told me to move it at least 10 feet out into the open yard, and it worked. Now I see robins and finches actually staying to bathe and drink. They need a clear view to feel safe, not just a quick escape route. Has anyone else found a better distance that works for shy birds like juncos?

2 comments

2 Comments

seth_wells4917d ago

Is moving a birdbath 10 feet really that big of a deal? My birds seem fine with it near the porch.

avery80517d ago

Wait, is this why my old birdbath was basically just a fancy bug pool? I had it tucked under a tree for years and wondered why nothing ever used it. Moved it to the middle of the lawn last spring and it's like a bird party now. @seth_wells49, maybe your porch is different because it's already an open space? But for real, that ten foot rule was a game changer for me. Birds are way more jumpy than I gave them credit for. They want to see the whole yard, not just a fast exit.