Adding a bird bath to your backyard habitat and it will not only add a touch of elegance and tranquility but will significantly increase your chance of attracting and retaining more wild birds and critters. Birds require a fresh, consistent supply of clean water for both drinking and bathing. Natural water sources are not always available, even in the wettest of regions. A source of unfrozen, fresh water is vital to their very survival. Wild birds often suffer more for lack of water than lack of food.