A good host

· Keep the water level low (about 5cm or less). Birds like shallow water to splash about in and bees can drown easily, so add a handful of pebbles for visual effect and to make the birdbath safer for them.

· The ideal birdbath location is out of direct sunshine (to keep the water cool and save it from evaporating) and with some protective cover nearby, providing the birds a safe way to approach the bath, and somewhere to flee to if cats are prowling about.

· Avoid spreading disease between birds by keep the your birdbath clean. Scrub out any algae that forms and top up with fresh water.

· Rinse paint brushes in an inside sink, or onto the lawn away from protected trees, vegetable gardens or stormwater drains.