Sparrows...Bathing and Painted

My concrete driveway is crumbling in spots. It is going to cost us probably 5 thousand dollars to replace it. It is more of a nuisance than anything else, because I have to be careful when I use the snow-blower over the hollowed out  "crater."

But, what am I supposed to tell the sparrows if I do replace the concrete? For whatever reason, they won't use the birdbath, preferring this "gravel pit." They wait in line on the side fence, and swoop down for their bath. I bet there were 20 of them today, patiently waiting. Very well mannered.

The only other one who likes the puddle is Merrick. He used to love to drive his scooter through it.