You can greatly increase the amount of bird species that visit your yard by adding a bird bath. Since all birds need water, a bird bath will attract birds that do not eat seeds such as warblers, vireos, brown thrashers, bluebirds, and flycatchers. Bird baths can be as simple as a ceramic saucer to as complex as a concrete fountain with a mister. Make sure the bird bath you use slopes gradually and is no deeper than 2 inches. Pedestal bird baths should stand at least 36 inches above the ground so as to protect birds from ground predators. Make sure the water you provide is fresh and clean and do not add chemicals to control algae or insects. Clean the bird bath at the first sign of algae growth or debris build-up.

Photo: Scott Gomes