API® Heated Deck Mounting Bird Bath | Heated Bird Bath with EZ-Tilt Deck Mount | Heated Birdbath for Outdoor Deck Railing | 20 Inches

There have been so many five star reviews that I'll just add a few points and then address some of the negative comments I considered before buying the heated bird bath. In short, this product has enhanced our enjoyment, minimized our chore time, and eliminated inconvenience while improving access to fresh water for many birds and small critters.For many years we relied on an unheated tempered glass bird bath, until it shattered when I bumped it while thawing it to remove ice, and then added hot water too quickly. Since then we have used an upside down trash can lid. Of course, the water in both would freeze, and on really cold days I would remove ice and replace the water two or three times a day. That was an inconvenient chore! And, the early birds got neither worm nor access to water.We still use the larger trash-can lid bath, which is large enough for small flocks and far enough away for wary and big crows, but I only change the water once in that bath, in the morning, and then let it freeze if the day is really cold. Meanwhile, our wonderful new heated bird bath keeps the water fluid even when the temperature is in the teens. Also, it is on a deck rail about twelve feet from our family room, so we have a great view. The birds really like it so there is a lot of activity for us and our indoor cat to enjoy. I am also pleased how easy it is to clean: just release the latch, tip it up, and that dumps the old water. About a gallon is enough to rinse it out and fill it up.We considered the negative reviews carefully before buying, and, while reassured by all the helpful positive reviews, were slightly anxious when putting it to use. Here is what we found about some of the negative points, which all turned out to be fine for us.Complaint about difficulty/impossibility of leveling the bird bath: yes, it is not level, as it is tipped somewhat so that the side toward the viewer is lower. That is actually a design feature that makes it easier to see the birds as the view is not blocked by an upraised edge. It's not a problem for the birds either as we have seen even small chickadees drinking while perched on the higher, rear edge. However, if a buyer wants perfect order and symmetry in their life whatever the cost to enjoyment, this desirable feature could be a problem.Mounting on the rail: we have standard 2" X 6" rails (which are actually by standard custom 1 1/2" X 5 1/2") and the clamp was easy to install and holds the unit in place just fine. Installation took just minutes. We have had high winds and likely some night visits from hefty raccoons, so the unit has been put to the test. However, I did reverse a grip piece at first before quickly spotting my error in following the directions, and I suspect some negative reviewers made the same mistake but did not correct it. That would likely make the unit unstable.Adequacy of the latch: again, it works just fine for us. It both holds well and is easy to release and reengage - a very nice design.Birds not coming: some commenters were disappointed that their intended customers were no-shows. That was the case for about three days with us, but we have been feeding birds and providing water for years, and that has taught us that it takes a while for the little critters to get used to changes. I suspect some negative reviewers were not aware of this and did not give adequate time for birds to get used to the bath before writing their reviews. Placing some seed near the bath might help expedite acceptance.Overall, we are greatly pleased with this attractive, functional, durable, helpful, well-designed and enjoyable product!

The media could not be loaded. Easy to refill… just release latch and dump then refill. Works great at keeping temp of water comfortable. So far temps in teens and water warm! Well worth the investment.

The media could not be loaded. UPDATE January 2016Updating this unit to 5 starts. It is rare that I change my mind this dramatically from a first impression, but this bird bath has proven me wrong, and in a good way. Now in its seventh winter, it is still performing as good as new, making it well worth the price I paid and the modification we made to the mounting bracket.UPDATE January 2012This unit is still going strong and is providing reliable service in it's third winter. I am in the Midwest and we get some brutal low temperatures. I have switched to cleaning it with a brush instead of a sponge, which make it easier to remove any debris. The birds are happy, the squirrels are happy and I'm happy. Therefore, I'm updating my rating to 4 stars from 3 stars. If you don't mind redesigning the bracket, this is a reliable unit.Original Review January 2010I have had this mounted on my deck for a few months now and the heater works well. The water stays completely unfrozen. Air temperatures have dipped down to zero degrees several times and no problems. It is more shallow than my summer bird bath and does need to be filled more frequently, but it's probably better for the birds to have the water level lower to prevent them from getting completely wet in freezing temperatures.A few things to be aware of: The cord is very short and you will need an outdoor extension cord. The deck mounting bracket is, for the most part, worthless. It was too unstable. I have squirrels that like to get a drink so we had to mount it with a non-tipping bracket. This makes it more difficult to clean since it no longer tips. When it's warm out I use the hose but when it's freezing I have to scoop the water out with a sponge.While I like this unit, for the price I paid ($69) I expected a little more.

Update: We've had a couple days in a row in the single digits and no ice is forming in the center, just a touch around the rim. Plenty of heat to keep open water.We bought this to create a full-service dining experience for our feathered (and some uninvited furry) friends during the winter. It's a thumbs up from us with a couple caveats.As others have noted, the official product photo definitely needs to be replaced to show the product's true shape (about the size and depth of a plastic trash can lid) and with a slightly rough texture. All in all, it seems quite sturdy.The same isn't as true for the clamping mechanism. Its design is straightforward, but I wish it was built from slightly thicker steel as even relatively modest tightening causes it to deform. The tip mechanism, likewise, is simple to operate but could be designed to snap together more securely. I have a modest concern that in high winds, the clip may not be sufficient to hold the birdbath in place, but we'll see.To keep it from running during increasingly common midwinter warm spells, I connected the bath to a Thermo Cube thermostatic outlet, which so far--only a few weeks--seems to be working fine. (A fair number of Amazon reviewers report that the Cubes can fail pretty quickly.) The attached photo shows the bath at an outside temperature of 17F degrees showing no ice on the surface. I plugged some Christmas lights into the second outlet on the cube so I could tell when it's on and off more easily, in case it decides to fail and lock in one position or the other, and to add some ambiance to the avian decor.Thus far the birds are much more interested in using it as a drinking fountain than a bath, but I can't really blame them. All in all, I'm happy with the purchase, and so are the birds!

I was replacing a 10 plus year old Allied Precision Heated Bird Bath with a new one. These bird baths work excellent and last a long time. They are worth the price.

There were no assembly instructions included and there are small parts we never used because my husband (who is mechanically inclined) could not discover where they should be used. Very unimpressed. Once he set it up and plugged it in everything was fine.So far chickadees and doves have used the birdbath and we hope other varieties will find their way to using the birdbath as the weather plummets. Hoping to snap a picture - if the birds will stay put long enough to let us do so.

It was great having birds all winter. It is not coming very clean anymore but still very usable and I can put up with the stains as long as it does not effect the water. THE BIRDS LOVE IT

Have previously had one. Is excellent for birds during the winter.

Really easy to clean when the weather is very cold, and ice formed on the rim. Light weight, therefore easy to tip the water out as the enclosed heating element does its job well. Ice only formed on the rim and is easy to get rid of.It is big and holds enough water so evaporation does not empty out the water.Birds of all sizes love to drink and frolic in it.It is expensive, but all things considered, worth the money. Should have invested in this bird bath before buying others that don't work as well and have to be discarded.