Watch birds splish and splash in any of the delightful birdbaths we found. While each offers something different in price ($32 to $158) and design (traditional pedestal forms made of copper to contemporary molded resin shapes), all three provide a place for birds to drink and to get clean, as well as sculptural focal points for meditations in your garden.
BACK TO NATURE
The Stone Bird Bath ($158) is from Pure Seasons, a new company in Sausalito, Calif., which is showing off its natural-theme products for home and garden in its premiere spring and summer catalog. Simplicity defines this bath best. The pentagonal stone basin can be placed on a large rock and filled with water. Visit Pure Seasons’ Web Site at www.PureSeasons.com or call 800-721-3909 to request a catalog or order the bath.
LIKE A ROCK–AND MAYBE BETTER
Lee Valley Tools Ltd. has a lightweight molded resin birdbath that is easy to transport and can withstand different weather conditions. Fill the base of the design with sand or gravel to stabilize it. This 7-pound, 17-inch-diameter birdbath stands 21 inches tall and sells for $39.50. You can order it online at www.leevalley.com or call 800-871-8158.
A GREAT PLACE TO HANG AROUND
The name “Oasis” fits this hanging copper design from Smith & Hawken perfectly. Hanging from a tree branch, the 14 1/4-inch-diameter bath will look like an avian oasis between the leaves. Smith & Hawken is at 1780 N. Marcey St., 312-266-1988; 1883 2nd St., Highland Park, 847-681-0380; and 20530 N. Rand Rd., Suite 132, Deer Park, 847-438-0919.