My bird bath is at ground level and the birds love it. They line up and take turns. It's under my maple tree in the middle of my garden. Near a bush or tree is a good location - a place they hide and escape to.

the birds use our pond so never bother with a birdbath as such but they seem to prefer on the ground or low down.

Thanks

I have one on the ground and two pedestal ones, the birds love them all, they also come on the patio and use the water feature as well as drinking from the fishpond by standing on the safety net, apart from the waterfeature all the others are placed near shrubs and climbers so the birds can make a quick escape to safety if it becomes neccessary...