​Running water is always a welcome addition to any outdoor area. Birds, however, are drawn to running water for drinking or bathing and will prefer one location over another. Most song birds must be vigilant when focusing on something other than becoming a meal. They will look for secure spots to drink and or bathe which means having your fountain placed close to a tree or shrub where your visitors might escape to, when danger comes around. This safe locationwill increase the number of visitors that will use the watery oasis. Keeping the water out of direct sunlight will also be a good idea so as not to promote the growth of algae. Some algae can be harmful to birds while other types will not.  A partly shaded area where the morning sun catches the water would be ideal. Of course you should make sure you are able to see the guests without too much disturbance.