If you want to attract warblers, sparrows, robins and other bird friends to your garden, provide them with fresh water. It’s easy, inexpensive, especially if you create a DIY birdbath from recycled household items, and definitely worth it. Having bird-attracting equipment makes for some seriously watery, wild, and fun reality show fun.
Birdbaths can be paired well with other amenities that are attractive to wildlife, such as bird feeders and appropriate native plants, or they can work well on their own.
“Attracting birds for your own enjoyment is one of the easiest and cheapest things you can do,” says Canadian ornithologist Robert Mulvihill. National Aviary Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chances are, a flock of birds will perch on the edge, inviting you to savour a refreshing morsel. Some will even wade into the water, dipping, wriggling and flapping. “They’ll get really drenched,” Mulvihill says.
DIY Birdbath: What You Need
We recommend using a shallow dish or pot, such as a flowerpot tray, no more than 2 inches deep. National Audubon SocietyOn the organization’s website, How to Make a BirdbathHere is the step by step procedure.
Mulvihill recommends avoiding materials with slick, slippery surfaces, as well as light, flimsy containers that can easily be toppled by wind or a perched bird. Heavy rocks with natural depressions that can hold water are ideal, he says.
Add some rocks in the pool to increase the perching surface. Even if you are using commercially available rocks, BirdbathMulvihill recommends a gently sloping, flat rock (partially above water level) that allows the birds to tiptoe up to their preferred height.
If you search the internet for DIY bird baths, you will find many variations and ideas. Rock and Trash Can Lid Version (via wikiHow)For more advanced DIY projects, check out our guides on Instructables. Solar-powered bird bath.
Placement matters
Choose a spot that you can see from a window or patio so you can enjoy the show, but not too close to the window so the birds don’t accidentally fly into the glass and injure themselves.
Also, think about the bird’s safety, especially from potential predators: Water should be within easy flying distance of trees and shrubs, says Mulvihill. Birds often want to be there to assess the situation before approaching the water. And once in the water, they want to be able to quickly return to the safety of a tree or shrub if necessary.
Additional Enhancements
Some birds are attracted to the sight and sound of rippling water, Mulvihill said. Birdbath Dripperis an accessory that you can buy or make yourself.
To make a homemade version, Mulvihill suggests drilling small holes in a plastic pitcher. Fill it with water and leave the cap loose to allow air to escape. Hang the pitcher over a birdbath to allow a steady drip of water.
Solar powered mixer Water Wiggleris another accessory that adds movement to the water. A tub with moving water not only attracts birds, but is also less likely to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
To build your own mixer, Instructables has step-by-step instructions Use wire hangers, recycled plastic containers, and other materials.
Tips and resources
Rinse and scrub the birdbath regularly.
Audubon Recommends Scrub with 9 parts water and 1 part vinegar.“Avoid using synthetic soaps or detergents, as these can strip essential oils from your bird’s feathers, and be sure to top up the water every other day to keep bugs at bay,” Audubon’s website states.
More resources from Audubon:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on April 26, 2019 and updated in July 2024. Featured image by Geraldine Rose from Pixabay.
