I've never considered them to be bird baths when they are on the ground but I know the things you mean. I have seen pictures of some lovely ones in the shape of shells that are similar to yours but they don't have the beautiful figure watching her reflection as yours does. Actually, I think they were described as small reflecting pools. My parents used to have one that was made of mud coloured resin and it had a 3D image of a woman's face in it so that when it was filled with water the tip of her nose was just below the surface. The critters could drink from it but not bathe in it and make it dirty. I loved that thing. Darn, now I have to go look for one on e-bay!

We have a lot of quail in the garden right now and I imagine they would love this as they'd feel less exposed and the baby quail could drink safely. Is there a problem with algae though?. I have to continually scrape the bottom of one of the raised bird baths.

I have a ground fountain that attracts lots of birds. The algae is covering the rocks, but I think it looks good so perhaps it depends on the dish. Algae can lend a certain wabi-sabi look to the right container. My fountain has a large 70 gallon reservoir underneath and about 3-4 times a year, when I can tell by sound that the water is low, I suck it out with a wet-vac and refill to keep the water fresh. Constantly moving water means no mosquitoes so this is pretty low maintenance overall.

Here is my other one - it is visible from our bedroom window, and I know is frequented by birds, squirrels, raccoons, and our visiting doe (just one - she has been coming 1-2 times a week for at least 5 years - I can tell it is her from an extra dark brown part on her head - I am fond of her.

Jackie

I have a stone piece from Maine. Needs frequent refilling.

Jackie and sheila those are so lovely !’ And how sweet of you to welcome the Doe ( do they devastate your garden though ?)

ingrid , I clean mine with a jet spray on my hose and that works . Yes you’ll get some algae but I mist clean it when I water plants nearby . I love quail and so wish I could get them here! But this is not their ideal habitat. :)

Our garden has so many huge bush and climbing roses that one doe cannot do damage that is material in the great scheme of things - I think of it as helping me keep some of the enormous roses trimmed!

Jackie