Of birdbaths and birdhouses

Birdbaths and bird-houses are excellent additions to your garden for attracting birds. Available in a range of shapes, sizes and styles, birdbaths and birdhouses also serve as decorative focal points in your garden.

Here are some tips for buying and maintaining birdbaths and birdhouses:

Birdbaths should be shallow (about three inches deep) and should be placed three feet off the ground. If your birdbath is too deep, you can add a few pebbles and rocks for birds to stand on.

Ideally, a birdbath should have gradually sloping sides to allow birds to wade in.

Cement or stone birdbaths with rough surfaces are best, but you can reduce the slipperiness by adding a layer of stones to give a sure-footed grip to birds.

Frequent scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush is important to maintain a clean, germ-free supply of water. Avoid using detergent, disinfectants or other strong chemicals.

Most birds find the sound of trickling water hard to resist. A fountain or a dripping container suspended from a branch over a birdbath will make it more appealing to birds.

If your birdbath is not helpful in attracting birds, try changing its height and location in your garden, till you discover a spot that works

Select birdhouses that are weather-resistant with holes in the sides and bottom for ventilation and drainage. The birdhouse should be cleaned after each nesting season — a hinged or removable roof makes the job of cleaning much easier.