Birdbath mystery

[Hendrix55]

In the corner of our garden was a birdbath.  The other day I noticed that the bath bit at the top was missing... It hasn't fallen off so I can only conclude that someone has been into the garden and nicked it.  But why?!!  There are no burglaries in our area and its all quite friendly and suburban.  You can't see the birdbath unless you are in the garden, which you can only get to through a bolted gate or the house.  The most likely explanation seems to be that someone tried the gate, got in and nicked it as a prank - but what for? And why not take the whole thing?  Any ideas as to what happened here?

[Chessman]

if the bit thats missing is detachable, and low to the ground, i'd blame a youg fox.

[gilby]

i bet someone has it for a nice little plant pot

[PlainJane]

A large bird of prey (probably a golden eagle) landed in it. There was a sudden overnight frost, and its talons became stuck to the bird bath. When it flew off the top of the bird bath went with it.

[ludwig]

Forget foxes and eagles. What happened was some p1ssed up student took a short cut through your garden and took the top of the bird bath with him cos it seemed like a good idea at the time. It's now being used in his bedroom as an ashtray. We've all done it - I know I have. 

[SteveD]

You are not the only one to have had a strange theft:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/ChatterBank/Question118732.html

[colleyprior]

the most probable answer is that someone has the same birdbath but the top of there's is broken so they have stolen yours to replace it

[PaulnCarole]

It is being used as a frisbee by the kids in the local park?