What To Know About Solar Birdbath Fountains Before Putting One In Your Yard

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Adding any kind of birdbath or water feature to your yard ups the chances of seeing your favorite backyard birds spend more time within view. That same source with moving water is even more attractive, sometimes drawing in migrating species for a refreshing splash break during their lengthy spring and fall journeys. A fountain is one of the most common water-moving accents for a birdbath; some birdbaths are even sold with the fountain feature built-in. Solar-powered birdbath fountains are quite versatile in that they're not tethered to specific locations with an available outlet, but it's worth considering other factors before buying that first one. 

As with electric versions, the pump in a solar birdbath fountain can become clogged with debris such as leaf matter, algae, and dirt. You'll still have to clean the birdbath often, such as every few days, much like a birdbath with no fountain. To keep your birdbath from losing water, you may have to refill it more often than you would with a still-water bath to ensure the pump stays under water. Choosing the right fountain nozzle also ensures the spray won't travel too far from the bath, as the entire pump system relies upon water returning to the birdbath basin. 

The solar panels paired with a birdbath fountain can be both an asset and a drawback, depending upon its design. Solar panels offer far more placement options than electric fountains requiring a nearby outlet. On the other hand, thoe solar panels need sunshine to power a fountain pump. Many options, such as the Smart Solar sunflower glass solar birdbath, have the solar panels built into the basin, which means the birdbath itself must be in direct sunlight in order for the fountain to function (most don't have battery backup). The same holds true for disc-shaped all-in-one solar panel pumps added to a birdbath. It's generally better to keep most birdbaths out of direct sunlight, since it means faster water evaporation, warmer water, and more potential for algae growth. 

If you'd like a fountain bath that functions in the shade, look for a solar pump fountain that isn't built into the birdbath. The style that has a solar panel connected by cord to the pump, such as the Biling solar water pump, work in any birdbath as long as the water covers the pump. This also allows you. to move the solar panel around to capture the most direct sunlight. Pumps can make noise or temporarily fail when they become clogged or when the bath runs out of water. Some models have a pump housing that can be removed for cleaning. 

Solar birdbath pumps aren't as powerful as some electric pumps, but many come with assorted nozzle attachments to customize the fountain spray. With the narrow spray nozzles, water may spray beyond the birdbath on a windy day. Meanwhile, a funnel-shaped attachment creates a bubbler-style feature making it easier for birds to drink.