Water features and birdbaths – What is the difference?

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Water Features and Bird Baths

Water features and bird baths are often confused with one another. What is the difference? Water features refer to structures that use water and that can be placed in yards or outdoor landscapes. These can include fountains, cascades, waterfalls, spherical water features, solar powered water features, and more. They can be tiered, or consist of tubes and pipes, or can be ponds. The possibilities are endless. Water features are not specifically designed to be birdbaths, but birds do use them to drink, bathe and preen. Unlike birdbaths, water features have water that is always in motion. For this reason, in fact, they are even more likely to attract birds than traditional birdbaths.

In years past, water features were almost always powered either by gravity or by animals. Today, they are almost universally powered by electricity, although solar powered models are also popular. Most water features on the market today have a self-contained reservoir of water, which is constantly recycled. There is no need to pump the water in through plumbing.

Water Features And Bird baths Maintenance Is Similar

You can maintain water features and bird baths in a similar manner. If you are considering adding a water feature to your landscape, you can follow many of the same maintenance guidelines and best practices recommended for birdbaths.

Place your water feature in an area well away from falling debris. Doing so will minimize the amount of regular cleaning needed.
Check pumps regularly to ensure they are in working order and remove any debris or mineral build up.
Store pumps indoors over the winter.
Regularly clean algae and take steps to minimize algae growth, such as using non-toxic chemicals for cleaning or aerating the water.

Water Features Examples

This is an example of a water feature on Amazon. It’s an electric model that pumps the water through the tree stump. The water then trickles down from the top of the stump into four bowls shaped like flowers until it reaches the stump below. The water is then recycled. This water feature is made of resin, but closely resembles a tree and can be used indoors or outdoors.

Click on the picture below to find out more about this water feature on Amazon.

This water feature can also be used indoors or outdoors, and has a sphere, a familiar shape for these types of structures. The sphere appears to float, as the water flows from the top of the structure down to the base. It is also made of resin and fiberglass and has an electrical pump. The cord is safe for outdoor use.

Click on the picture to find out more about this water feature on Amazon.

Adding water features to your yard may have additional benefits beyond adding simple birdbaths. They may increase the appeal of the property on which they are placed, reduce noise pollution due to the sound of flowing water, produce a calming effect and improve the quality of the air.

Selecting and installing water features in your yard may take more time and effort than installing simple bird baths, but you will attract more birds and reap more benefits than with traditional birdbaths.