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As the weather cools, frost and ice come. Birds and other wildlife still need water. If you have a fancy summer birdbath, especially a glass one, you probably want to bring that indoors and put out something sturdier for harsher weather.

Now is the time to shop for winter birdbaths. These come in three basic versions: passive solar (that absorb heat), active solar (that have a panel), and electric (that use your house power). In mild climates, the first and second options work well. Colder winters usually need the third. You can also buy various types of heaters to drop into a regular birdbath. Moving water is another way to slow the freezing and keep some liquid accessible.

If you want to build your own birdbath, now is the time to do that too. Weather is pleasant in most areas. Much later, and it tends to get cold, windy, and/or wet. Concrete and mortar cure best in moderate weather; too cold and they don't set as well. Building now also allows time for your birds to learn the resource before they really need it.


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Passive Solar Birdbaths

Black or at least dark materials absorb more sunlight and keep the water liquid longer. Thermal mass, as in stone birdbaths, can store the heat for hours. These birdbaths may also double as basking stones for insects or reptiles. They are the easiest to use and don't cost anything to maintain, although buying a stone birdbath can be quite an investment.

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Active Solar Birdbaths

These can be integrated into the birdbath or something you drop into an existing birdbath. They are good if you need a powered heat supply far from an electrical outlet.

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Electric Birdbaths and Heaters

These have a power cord that plugs into an outlet at your house, garage, or outbuilding. Make sure you protect the cord so it doesn't get damaged or pose a tripping hazard. Integrated electric fountains may have a moving water feature, heater, or or both. You can also get either or both to drop into an existing birdbath. Bear in mind that these are more expensive to operate. So if you can get by with a passive solar or active solar system instead, that will save you money. However, better models are thermostat-controlled so they don't run all the time.

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