Solar Garden Birdbath Fountain

Still water in a birdbath goes stale quickly and attracts mosquito larvae. Moving water does not, and it is also considerably more attractive to birds, which locate water by sound as well as sight. A small fountain solves both problems at once.

This one floats and runs directly from its own solar panel, so there is no cable to bury, no transformer to house and no batteries to change. Put it on the water in a sunny spot and it starts when the sun is on it. Several spray heads are usually included so the pattern and height can be matched to the size of the bath or pond.

It needs direct sunlight to run, so output stops in shade and on heavily overcast days: this is normal rather than a fault. Keep the panel and the intake clear of leaves and algae, and lift it out before hard frost, as ice will damage the pump. If children have access to the garden, remember that even shallow standing water is a drowning risk for young children, and it should never be left unsupervised.

• Floats and runs directly from sunlight, no wiring or batteries
• Moving water attracts birds and discourages mosquito larvae
• Multiple spray heads for different patterns and heights
• Stops in shade or heavy cloud; clear leaves and algae regularly
• Even shallow water is a drowning risk: never leave young children unsupervised near it