If you have a bird bath in your garden, adding stones or rocks could help attract robins and all manner of other birds to your outdoor space08:32, 30 Jun 2026If you've set up a birdbath in your garden, chances are you're someone who enjoys watching the seasonal parade of different bird species — with robins being among Britain's best-loved visitors.‌Birds will make regular appearances in your garden if you provide plenty of food and a birdbath where they can stay clean.‌But there's one specific touch you can add to your birdbath that will draw in all sorts of species, from robins to blue tits, finches and thrushes, making sure they keep coming back to a dependable water source.‌A gently sloping, shallow birdbath is ideal for tempting robins into your garden.Due to their petite size, the gradual slope enables them to use it safely, reports the Express.That being said, if your birdbath doesn't have this characteristic, you can add stones or rocks inside to offer extra stability and something for them to hold onto.‌Gardeners debating the subject on Reddit recommend choosing natural stone over polished options, which birds might slip on.One user suggested the best choice is "natural rock without algae on top isn't too slippery".‌They went on to say: "Maybe don't use some manually polished stone, that could get slippery indeed."A fellow contributor added: "I put some flat natural stones in mine, and the little birds often use them. It's fun to watch them building up the nerve to try one out for the first time."The ideal spot for your garden water feature ought to be fairly near to shelter and shade, while staying clearly visible to smaller birds.‌It's vital to refresh the water in bird baths daily, while making sure they stay ice-free during the winter period.Regular cleaning is just as important to maintain the water source hygienic and appealing to visiting birds.Dirt and algae can build up quickly in bird baths, but there's a straightforward trick that can significantly reduce grime using just one item you probably have in your purse or pocket.‌The copper present in 1p or 2p coins works as a natural biocide, having properties that stop algae from establishing itself.Make certain to give any coins a proper clean before putting them into the bird bath.The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has recently issued urgent advice urging people to stop putting out seeds for garden birds from May 1.Article continues belowThe bird conservation charity introduced updated guidelines which came into effect this month and will stay in place until 31st October.The RSPB has cautioned gardeners, bird enthusiasts and amateur birdwatchers against providing birds with seeds or peanuts, due to concerns that feeding birds during the spring and summer months, despite good intentions, is actually contributing to the spread of disease.