Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

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!