Bird Bath: Fresh water for the garden's visitors

Choose a bowl they can look after

A useful bird bath gives visiting birds somewhere to drink and bathe, and gives the recipient a little more to watch. Start with a basin they can empty and clean comfortably. A grand pedestal is less useful if looking after the water becomes awkward.

Shallow edges and a sure footing

The useful water area matters more than the bath's overall height. Look for shallow, gently sloping sides and a rough surface for grip. A deep glazed ornament may look inviting in a listing while offering little easy access for small birds.

Match the weight to the position

A ground-level bowl, a fixed wall bowl and a freestanding bath make different demands. The base must be stable on the intended surface; a wall-mounted bath needs suitable brackets and fixings. A heavy stone bowl may be difficult to empty, while a lightweight one needs a secure position.

Water, cleaning and weather

The recipient needs easy access for emptying, scrubbing and refilling. Inspect the water frequently and replace it regularly, with more attention in warm weather. Follow the material's frost-care instructions; weather-resistant doesn't necessarily mean a filled bowl can freeze without damage.

• Compare bowl weight when filled and how it lifts or drains.

• Choose a position with a clear view of approaching predators and suitable cover nearby.

• Treat a solar pump as an optional extra, with its own cleaning and sunlight requirements.

If they'd prefer watching birds during walks, birdwatching binoculars avoid adding a water bowl to maintain at home.