Editing Bird bath (section)

==Bird habitat==
===Perch and view needs===
[[File:Two titmice in the bird bath (7274236008).jpg|thumb|Two [[Baeolophus|titmice]] in a shallow bird bath]]
Bird baths require a place for birds to [[Perching bird|perch]]. The bath should also be shallow enough to avoid the risk of birds drowning. A depth of 2” is right for most species. This requirement may be fulfilled by making the bowl shallow enough to allow birds to perch ''in'' the water. For deeper bowls, stones, gravel or rocks can be placed in the center to give birds a place to perch. Objects placed in the bird bath bowl should have a texture that makes it easy for birds' talons to hold.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://birdbathsforsale.com/buy-bird-baths-online/ |title=How To Buy Bird Baths Online - 5 Tips |access-date=2019-04-07 |archive-date=2019-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407015239/https://birdbathsforsale.com/buy-bird-baths-online/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Birds lacking [[binocular vision]] have poor depth perception, and can find a bird bath off-putting if they are unable to judge the water's depth.  Leaning a stick or flat rock against the bird bath rim as a ramp to allow them gradual access into the water may allay their fear.<ref name="The Ornate Bird Garden" />

Consideration should also be made to the issue of house cats and other [[predator]]s, by placing the bird bath in a location where birds can see the area around it, and where there are no hiding places for predators. Birds cannot fly well when their feathers are wet; two feet of open space on all sides of the bird bath allows birds to see danger coming with enough time to escape.<ref>Sally Roth (1998). ''Attracting Birds to Your Backyard:  A Rodale Organic Gardening Book'', also on p. 18. Rodale Press Inc., Emmaus PA, {{ISBN|0-87596-892-9}}.</ref> If the bowl is too deep, some birds will be afraid to enter the bath, staying at the edge and using it for drinking water only, being unable to see beyond the edge if entering the water, or unwilling to enter water that is too deep for their safety.

===Plants===
[[Native plant]]s, [[ornamental plant]]s that supply [[berry|berries]], [[acorn]]s, [[nut (fruit)|nut]]s, [[seed]]s, [[nectar]], and other foods, and also [[bird nest]] building materials encourages the health and new generations of birds. These qualities can also increase the visible population to enjoy in a garden. Using [[companion planting]] and the birds' [[insect]] cuisine habits is a traditional method for pest control in an [[organic garden]], and any landscape.

Taller [[shrub]]s and [[tree]]s nearby allow short and safe "[[commuting|commutes]]" to the bird bath. The bird bath will attract more birds if placed where a frightened bird can fly up easily to an overhanging limb or resting place if disturbed or attacked.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/water/birdbaths.aspx | title=Bird baths | publisher=The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds | access-date=24 July 2014 | archive-date=28 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728144419/https://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/water/birdbaths.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref>