The Eye-Catching Amazon Birdbath That Doubles As A Feeder

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Bird feeders can be a big help for your feathered friends, especially when natural food sources are scarce. But as wonderful as it is to attract more colorful birds to the garden, the units themselves often look a bit utilitarian and drab. Thankfully, bird-friendly garden decor doesn't have to sacrifice style. The VCUTEKA bird feeder from Amazon not only doubles as a gorgeous birdbath, but it also has a stunning stained-glass design that's sure to elevate your garden decor.

The shallow bowl gives you a couple of options. Fill it with birdseed to create a small, decorative feeder, or add about 1 or 2 inches of water and some pebbles for footing to turn it into a bathing spot for local birds. The VCUTEKA attaches to a four-pronged steel stake rather than a heavy stand, so you can easily move it around the yard to find the best spot for your feathered visitors. Because it's made of glass and can be unscrewed from its post, it's also relatively easy to clean. 

Beyond its practical uses, it's a pretty addition to the garden. Its colorful stained-glass-style bowl adds a decorative pop of color, while the stake gives it a delicate, garden-art feel. It can serve as a charming focal point even when birds aren't stopping by for a snack or a bath.

If you're using the VCUTEKA as a feeder, smaller birds like sparrows and towhees may be well suited to its relatively low height of 26 inches. Fill it with black oil sunflower seeds to attract a range of bird species, or a small seed type, like white millet, if you want to see sparrows and mourning doves around your yard. Most birds prefer to feed either directly on the ground or from feeders that are about 5 feet high, which protects them from cats and other predators. Its low height, though, can work well for sparrows and towhees — species that are comfortable feeding closer to the ground.

There are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Some customers have reported problems with the glass bowl cracking. Although the product is labeled as weather-resistant, it's worth taking extra precautions during winter, when freezing and thawing water can put stress on glass. You may want to consider bringing the bowl indoors during particularly cold weather. 

Also, the VCUTEKA has no cover, which allows squirrels and rain in. While you could try some classic tricks like using coffee grounds to deter squirrels at the feeder, it won't keep the rain from reaching the birdseed. This is a major issue, as wet feed can expose birds to Salmonella and other diseases. Place it somewhere sheltered, such as beneath a tree canopy, porch overhang, or other covered area, to help keep rain from soaking the food. Soggy seed or not, a clean birdbath is essential to prevent disease spread and avoid mosquitoes. Change the water daily or every few days, and scrub the basin regularly, especially in warm weather when algae and bacteria can build up quickly.