May 31, 2025, 10:41 am | Read time: 3 minutes
What could be more delightful than waking up to the gentle chirping of birds in the morning? A birdbath on the balcony is the perfect way to bring nature and its feathered inhabitants closer to home.
In urban areas, natural water sources are scarce—making it a real challenge and a life-threatening effort for animals to stay in these regions. Placing a birdbath on your city balcony not only brings a piece of garden idyll home but also creates a welcome oasis for birds and other winged creatures.
Why a Birdbath on the Balcony Is Worth It
A balcony truly becomes an urban jungle when it blooms and greens beautifully, bees and bumblebees buzz around the flowers, and occasionally a bird stops by to pause in the sunlight. Especially on hot summer days, the rulers of the skies thirst for water and use brief breaks to stabilize their circulation and look for drinking opportunities.
They use the water area not only for necessary hydration but also to clean their feathers and refresh themselves in the heat. Watching sparrows and blackbirds play in the water can make you forget the daily grind for a moment.
Building a Birdbath – Step by Step
What You Need:
- A shallow bowl made of clay, stone, ceramic, or concrete (alternatively: a hanging birdbath for the balcony railing)
- A small stone or stick
- A small rubber mat
- A shady spot on the balcony
Preparations:
Before setting up the birdbath, choose a suitable location. Ideally, it should be a wide, smooth surface not exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, the birdbath should stand freely and not be placed near windows or walls to prevent birds from injuring themselves.
The Birdbath
Once a suitable location is found, the shallow bowl can be set up. It should not exceed a maximum depth of three to five centimeters to ensure that even small animals can safely bathe and drink. To prevent the bowl from slipping due to the birds’ movements, place a rubber mat underneath for better stability. Then fill the birdbath with water and place a small stick or stone in the center for the birds to perch on.
Related: Setting Up a Birdbath – 3 Common Mistakes
Change Water Regularly
A birdbath is a refuge and a soothing oasis for birds, so it should be kept clean and checked regularly. To prevent algae growth or contamination, the water in the birdbath should be changed daily. This also ensures it never completely dries out on hot days.
When choosing water, less is often more. Clear, untreated tap water is the best solution for wild animals. The leftover birdbath water can be used for watering plants. During regular cleaning, avoid using cleaning or dishwashing detergents, as chemical residues are not suitable for birds.
7 home textiles washed far too rarely
These Are the Garden Trends for 2025
7 Tips to Keep Rats Out of Your Garden
Do Not Place Food
Additionally, avoid placing food near the birdbath. During the summer months, birds find enough food in nature on their own. It is crucial to avoid getting them accustomed to not searching for food themselves. This could have fatal consequences, especially for young birds.