Water is the #1 way to attract birds to your yard. But simply buying a bird bath isn't enough! The key to making your birds comfortable is to keep the water fresh and shallow -- most birds prefer a depth of 1 - 2 inches of water. When their feathers are soaked, birds instinctively begin to watch for predators and will head for the nearest shelter. If you notice birds drinking but rarely bathing in your birdbath, it is probably too deep, too slick, or too far from shelter.