A garden fountain can be a wonderful way to add the beauty of running water to the landscape. As an added benefit, it can also be used to attract birds to your garden. The key is to choose a fountain that is safe for the birds. Otherwise, they could end up injured, or worse. The following tips can help.

Tip #1: Look for shallow pool styles

Deep fountains can lead to drowned birds, especially if they can't easily tell how deep the water is. Birds need shallow water to drink and splash in, as wet feathers will weight them down. Choose fountains with shallow collection pools of no more than a couple of inches deep. If you want a deeper pool near the bottom, then opt for a tiered fountain with shallower upper pools. This way there are safe alternatives for the birds and they won't be tempted by the too deep water.

Tip #2: Choose an elevated fountain

Predators are another concern. Your fountain is not a safe place for birds if the neighborhood cats are staking it out. This is where an elevated fountain that had its collection pools well off the ground is helpful. Birds can drink and bathe with the advantage of height, which allows them to watch for incoming predators. Having a few trees or bushes nearby for the birds to hide in can also help.

Tip #3: Keep it clean

Fountains can become a host for disease organisms if you aren't careful. Turn the fountain off and clean it periodically. A dilute bleach solution, perhaps one part bleach to nine parts water, will kill most pathogens but it shouldn't be strong enough to harm the birds. It is also safe to use on concrete, stone, and resin fountains. If you notice algae or other issues with the water quality, you may need to clean more often or clean the filter in the fountain pump.

Tip #4: Consider winter options

Many birds come to depend on your fountain for water. This can be a problem in winter if you simply turn it off. If you do turn it off, make sure it is covered so that the pools don't collect water. Not only can this damage the fountain, it can attract birds to stagnant water, which can make them sick. If possible, consider using a small water fountain heater so that you can allow your fountain to run year round. This way the birds always have access to water.

You can find the perfect fountain online or in a store so that you can attract birds to your yard.