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The idea of a birdbath – the idea itself – sets my mind loose on sociology-politico judgments galore. For heaven’s sake: they just look good and help out our two-winged buddies. Still there’s a back story to birdbaths, class snobbery and our European heritage. Bah! Where I grew up in Brooklyn, the pigeons were lucky to find an open fireplug, and mind the force!

Traditional avian amenities go green

Photo by Bird Baths

No wonder this is the number-one seller at Bird Baths. The traditional look of The Smart Solar Kensington Gardens 2-Tier Solar Bird Bath Fountain is paired with on-demand solar heater powered by built-in panels. The recirculation system keeps the water fresh and warm in cold climates for your beaked best friends.

Outdoor improvements with flair

Photo by Make Mine Mosaic

Canadian artisans have created stained-glass decorated birdbaths. Check out other inviting designs at Make Mine Mosaic.

Terracotta be me!

Photo by The Bird Nerds

If you’re a bird, this is the place! Part-amusement park, part-community bathhouse, this multi-tiered fountain will attract nearby daredevil fowl and hunched-up herons that, frankly, need a bath.

Everybody out!

Photo by Doughboy

This is the bird bath my family enjoyed during the 1960s. Birds generally detest the chemicals used in swimming pools. When we weren’t using our birdbath, we pulled over a tarp which doubled as a bombing range for the local flock. Considering the amazing inventiveness of birds (today I spied a crow carrying a plastic juice bottle in its beak), I think that we install birdbaths to benefit our own emotional hygiene.

Birdbath population planning

Photo by National Geographic

There is a direct connection between cats, birdbaths and tragedies (well, not for the cat.) If anyone knows how to keep Old Mouser out of a fountain, feel free to post your feedback. It seems easier to patrol the peace between in-laws.

Everyone grew up in a neighborhood that has that house. The yard was a clutter of weeds and broken bottles, and an overgrown trellis masked the front door. You were scared to pass by at night.

In what has become one of the most-challenging housing markets ever, you’d be surprised how many people with homes like this think they’ll sell them. All things being equal, a would-be buyer will take the clean, attractive, uncluttered home and yard.  Here are great ways to send buyers packing:

Valley of the curb appeal monster

Photo by Ugly House Photos

I was stunned to find this photo at Ugly House Photos. The home backed upon my childhood home in the San Fernando Valley. In this economic climate, buyers aren’t that interested in huge fixer-uppers. It’s tragic, considering all the affordable ways to brighten your home’s façade.

Landscaping by Sparky

Photo by Cheap Bee Removal

Good luck staging a home for sale with Sparky in the yard, unless you’re tossing in a huge mallet to whack his furry lil’ skull. The tail-lights diminishing into the night, those belong to potential buyers.

Shrinking your expectations

Photo by Ripley's

That genuine artifact you brought back from Brazil just might diminish your closing points – if anyone buys your place. Better Homes and Gardens recommends 20 ways to boost curb appeal. But your family photo of Uncle Max with a geisha or the head of that elk you dropped last year must come off the wall.

When less is more

Photo by Career Line

Those cute extras you’re including in the sale – the garden shed, workshop, barn – will only hurt if they’re in considerably worse shape than the rest of the home. It’s like trying to swim the English Channel with an anvil on your back.

There are no guarantees in tough times, but when it comes to staging a home and property, it pays to be a clean freak.