Get Up Close With Birds Using a Rail-Mounted Bath
For avid birdwatchers, getting an up close view of feathered friends visiting their backyard can be a cherished pastime. Installing a rail-mounted bird bath offers the perfect perch to observe beautiful birds splashing just outside your balcony, porch or deck.
Attaching a birdbath to an existing railing provides an accessible spot for birds to drink and bathe without taking up yard space. Read on to learn all about how rail-mounted baths can bring wildlife right to your doorstep.
What Are Rail-Mounted Bird Baths?
Rail-mounted bird baths consist of a birdbath bowl or basin attached to a mount that secures to a deck, porch or balcony railing. The mount is typically an adjustable clamp that can adapt to fit railings of various thickness and shape.
The birdbath portion may be made of materials like metal, plastic, concrete or ceramic. Options range from simple bowl styles to more ornate decorative designs. Depth and diameter can vary as well to accommodate different sized birds.
Benefits of Rail-Mounted Bird Baths
Placing a birdbath right on a railing has some excellent advantages:
- Convenient viewing from a deck or patio
- Saves yard space
- Raised placement deters cats and predators
- Easily adjustable or removable
- Fun accent to backyard landscaping
By mounting a bath on a railing just feet from your home, you can comfortably watch birds like robins, finches and chickadees splash while protecting them from prowling cats down below.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting the optimal railing to install your birdbath, consider visibility, accessibility and drainage:
- Pick a spot where you can view the bath from inside
- Avoid high traffic areas that may deter birds
- Ensure the bath won't drip below onto pathways
Deck and porch railings work well to allow easy viewing. For balconies, focus on a side railing facing away from your entrance door.
Picking the Perfect Rail-Mounted Bath
With various shapes, sizes and styles available, keep these tips in mind when selecting a rail-mounted birdbath:
Size and Depth
Choose a diameter and depth suitable for your target bird species. Larger birds need more space and deeper water levels. Aim for 2 to 3 inches deep and 10 to 20 inches wide.
Materials
Plastic, resin and concrete baths withstand weather better than delicate materials like ceramic. Metals like copper offer unique visual appeal as well.
Extras
From heated elements to aerating fountains, accessories can make your birdbath even more enticing. LED lights illuminate baths at night too.
Style
Select a style suiting your outdoor decor, from rustic wooden baths to colorful mosaic designs.
Installation Tips and Steps
Installing a rail-mounted birdbath involves just a few simple steps:
Tools Needed
Gather pliers, screwdrivers, level, pencil and drill with bits. Refer to your specific model's manual for any other required tools.
Clamp Assembly
Assemble the mount clamp pieces and hand tighten screws. Do not fully tighten yet.
Clamp Placement
Set the mount at your desired location on the railing. Level it and mark placement with pencil.
Secure Clamp
Following any model-specific instructions, drill small starter holes if needed and insert screws to firmly fix clamp to railing.
Attach Bath
Finally, slide the birdbath into place on the mount and tighten any set screws or bolts to hold it securely.
Care and Maintenance
With proper care, a rail-mounted birdbath can provide years of service:
Cleaning
Regularly empty and scrub with mild soap and water to prevent algae, bacteria and mineral deposits.
Protection
In cold climates, remove the bath in winter or use a heater accessory to keep water from freezing and cracking it.
Supplies
Keep spare fill water near your birdbath for easy top-offs after use or evaporation on hot days.
Attracting Birds to a Rail-Mounted Bath
With strategic placement and accessories, your new birdbath can become a bird haven:
- Situate near trees, feeders or brush for shelter
- Include sloped sides for safe access
- Maintain 2-3 inches of 50-60degF clean water
- Consider a dripper or mister for sound and movement
Monitoring your new bird bathing station for activity will help you identify anydeterrents to correct to make it more enticing for local birds.
Top Rail-Mounted Bird Bath Products
| Bird Bath | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Serenity Health Copper Birdbath | 16-inch copper bath with scrolled wood stand. Holds 2.5 gallons. | $129.99 |
| U-Mount Bracket Birdbath | Durable resin bath with adjustable U-bracket. Choose color. 1 gal capacity. | $59.99 |
| Cast Stone Bird Bath Fountain | Concrete basin with integrated solar fountain. 17x5 inches. | $189.99 |
FAQs About Rail-Mounted Bird Baths
Do bird baths need to be deep?
Shallow birdbaths 1-3 inches deep are best to accommodate most backyard birds. Larger baths can have a deeper center for swimming.
Where should it drain?
Ensure the birdbath drips into a garden bed or gravel, not where someone may walk below. Position over a deck board gap.
What about freezing weather?
In sub-freezing climates, use an immersion heater, remove the bath, or tip to empty after each use during winter.
How often do you clean it?
Clean and refresh birdbath water at least 1-2 times per week, or more often in hot weather to prevent mosquito breeding.
Installing a rail-mounted birdbath opens up delightful new birdwatching possibilities right outside your door. With a conveniently clamped placement on deck or porch rails, these innovative baths provide front row access to observing beautiful backyard birds up close.
Choosing the right spot, style and accessories can help your new birdbath become a neighborhood hotspot. With proper care and cleaning, a rail-mounted design is sure to provide many seasons of enjoyment watching colorful birds play, drink and bathe.