Birds are endlessly entertaining. I asked for and received a solar powered bird bath for a present last year. In Minnesota I had a birdbath warmer, which kept the water from freezing all winter. I still have it.
This birdbath is not practical for most birds. The structure makes it difficult for larger birds. Only the smaller ones can take a sip from the main bowl. The advantage comes from the dribbling sound created when sun falls on the solar collector, running a water pump. Grooves on an upper plate allow the water to splash into the lower bowl.
Splashing water sounds will attract birds from far away. They appreciate food and need shelter, but they crave water to clean the grit off their wings. Feathers are "a miracle," as one evolutionist said in a moment of candor. Feathers require constant preening, so birds need to clean and preen constantly. In Phoenix they have plenty of splashing water spigots, lawn sprinklers, and fountains, but I like having birds in clear view of the kitchen bay-windows.
Two shallow bowls rest on a low table, enabling the birds to bathe safely. Their main competition is with each other. Sometimes a large bird will hog the baths and scare away his relatives. Smaller birds climb in together, splashing each other. The normal routine is to dip the head, drive the water toward the back, and shake it into the wings. Several dips create a complete wetting down. Group splashing speeds this up. Then more shaking leaves each bird looking completely disheveled. Afterwards they find a safe place in the trees and bushes to preen.
I hang a bag of thistle seed on the palo brea tree which shades the birdbaths. Thistle is the nickname for niger, an African seed loved by finches and other small birds. Doves eat fallen thistle from the ground. Finches eat it from the sock-bag I hang in the tree. A bag is expensive per ounce but lasts about 10 days. Sunflower seed attracts common pigeons, so I do not offer that anymore. I like the large pigeons, but the neighbors do not appreciate their messes and loutish behavior.
The best source of food for birds comes from planting. Trees are loaded with insects, pollinate, and set seed. Hummingbirds enjoy all flowers, both the nectar and the insects attracted. They know bird-lovers and show up for a gentle spray of water from the hose, hovering only a few feet away.
The plants are also shelter. Each level provides a home for different species. Our yard is noisy with bird choirs.
