- design for a solar heated bird bath - prevents water from freezing in below freezing temperatures - glazed panel allows sun to warm solar absorber - ice in pan melts with two hours of sun - smaller surface area allows ice to melt faster - materials used for construction include exterior plywood, galvanized steel plate, pie pan, foil-covered foam insulation, Plexiglas, clear silicon sealer, and corner molding - attracting birds throughout winter season - positioning bird bath in sunny spot - adding dark surfaces to absorb heat - using an icebreaker to break thin films of ice - adding outdoor-rated immersion heater - investing in a fully heated winter bird bath - keeping birdbath basin full with sufficient water - not adding salts, anti-freeze, or other chemicals to the water - not using boiling water or sharp blows to break or melt ice - not using space heaters or other external heaters near bath - following simple steps to keep birdbath flowing freely in cold weather.