Top 5 Hints for Operating a Solar Birdbath Fountain

A solar birdbath fountain has been one of the best additions to my yard's bird habitat, attracting birds of all kinds.  They drink and bathe, and watching them in the bath is great fun to watch.  Here's some hints on how to operate your solar fountain.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak at birdbath with solar fountain

1. Keep the pump clean.
Pumps can clog from bird and organic debris.  Most pumps have a plastic sponge-like filter inside that can be cleaned with a good blast of the hose.  If it is particularly scummy, use a weak bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) to clean, rinse well, then let air dry.  The housing can get scummy so make sure you clean the housing as well.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a self-cleaning pump, but a quick clean up now and then will keep the fountain flowing nicely.
 
2. Keep the water clean.
Don't let the water become filled with bird waste and debris.  This is not good for the birds or for the pump.
Clean the birdbath often with a stiff-bristled brush that is used only for birdbath or feeder cleaning.  If the bath is really dirty, clean it with a weak bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach), rinse well, and let air dry before refilling.

3. Don't let the water get too low.
Pumps that run dry will burn out and kill the pump.

A Chipping Sparrow pool party!

4. Use a sufficiently deep birdbath.
Running a fountain will increase the rate of evaporation of the water in the bath.  Having a deeper bath with a higher volume of water will help.
At a minimum, the birdbath should be able to hold enough water to cover the pump.

5. Put it where you can enjoy the show.
Moving water is like a bird magnet and you wouldn't want to miss the show!
Besides your regular yard and feeder birds that could use the fountain, the moving water might attract other birds like tanagers, warblers, and more.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird attracted to the moving water

I love my solar-powered birdbath fountain.  Follow these tips and your fountain can provide years of bird enjoyment!

 

Comments

[Jade Brunet]

Thank you for this council about operating a solar powered birdbath fountain. I did not realize the importance of keeping the pump clean. It is interesting to know that there is no such thing as a self-cleaning pump so cleaning by hand is the method to choose. Something else to consider would be to use proper cleaning supplies while carrying out this project.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Rima, I think the casing is just taller. Their newer model has a lower pump.

[rima]

Greetings. Tip #4 says water should be at least deep enough to cover the pump. But in the sparrow pool party photo, isn't that the pump sticking up out of the water? I'm confused. (But then, I'm easily confused.)

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Judith, the one shown pumps the water in the bath, so you do have to just keep an eye on water level so the pump doesn't run dry.
You could check your local Wild Birds Unlimited to see if they carry it. If they need more information on the model, they can call our store at 518-226-0071.
Or you could call our store to purchase one and we'll ship it to you.
We LOVE ours!!!!

[Judith]

I have a cement bird bath and would like to add a small solar powered water pump/fountain which I hope will recycle water (vs it being connected to a faucet). Where can I purchase one? Thank you so much.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Kathy, check the pump unit itself. There is usually an flow adjustment wheel. Hopefully that helps!

[Kathy]

Good morning, your information was very informative but didn't cover my problem. I bought a solar bird bath new, solar panel on top with 4 in water spigot in the middle , allowing water to fall onto the panel , filling the panel depth and then trickling down to large water basin . My question, the water has always barely trickled from the spigot from the first time I set it up........ suppose to flow freely like a mild spray, to make soft water sounds to attract birds. I live in Virginia, clear sky, and full sun on solar panel.
I hope you can suggest some remedies . Thank you

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Pat, that is the wire from the pump to the solar panel. The panel is staked in the yard, about 8' away.

[Pat]

Just curious - what is the cord/wire shown in the photo that appears to be coming from the fountain and over the side of the bath?

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Michelle, the solar fountain is available at Wild Birds Unlimited Saratoga Springs NY http://www.saratogasprings.wbu.com
or try checking the Wild Birds Unlimited shop nearest you https://maps.wbu.com/

[michelle]

Where did you get this fountain from? The manufacturer etc. I would love to get one for my birdbath.
Thank you for this information here!
(*_*)
Chelle

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Brad, thanks and good luck with that new solar fountain!

[Brad Hoss]

Hey, thanks! I was just looking into getting a few solar fountains for the garden. I'm hoping that the birds that enjoy flying around my house will enjoy what I have to give them.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

SLE - thanks much.

[Sugar Land electrician]

I Really Enjoyed The Blog of solar birdbath fountains. I Have Just Bookmarked. I Am Regular Visitor Of Your Website I Will Share It With My Friends Thanks and I promises I will visit your blog again.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Solar, thank you!

[solar]

Fantastic as always, keep up the radical work!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Marlene, good to hear you have a dripper to provide moving water. I'm sure your birds appreciate it!
ps, the sound of the solar fountain IS calming for me and also attracts the birds. A win-win!

[Marlene]

My birdbath has a dripper. There is no pump with this set-up. It is connected to the faucet and constantly provides fresh water to the birds. Sometimes they drink right from the dripper! I still have to scrub the bath though - about once a week. More in hot weather.

[p.s.]

These solar birdbath fountains are a great add on to your house. The tranquil aura would reflect the water gushing through the fountain.