For bird lovers and gardeners alike, having birds in your yard or garden is a joy and even a big help. There are several things that will attract birds to your yard and the top two essentials are food and water. Birds need water just like humans do, and in the cool winter and early spring months, it is harder for them to find. Bird lovers and gardeners help birds out in the cold months by giving them food via their bird feeders, so why not help them out by offering them some fresh water? Birds drink the water, and also take quick splash baths to clean themselves off.
Bird baths are a crucial accessory to drawing our fine feathered friends to our gardens or patios. Stand alone and even hanging bird baths, while beautiful, can be sorely expensive. You can make your own hanging bird bath for just a few dollars- making it as elaborate or simple as your personal taste.
You will need:
A stone or terracotta pot saucer (12″)
Small river rocks or stones
A wire craft wreath (12″)
Wired craft twine
Wire cutters
Decorative florals (if you so choose)
Start by choosing a saucer. Go can get one at just about any craft store or garden center for a couple of dollars. I chose to buy one that was stoneware and already glazed to prevent cracking in cold weather. It also had a 1/2″ lip around the saucer, perfect for birds to perch upon! If you buy your saucer at a garden center, take it to the craft store with you when you pick out your wreath to ensure that it fits properly.
Next, go to a local craft store and choose a wire craft wreath. Place the saucer down inside the wreath form and make sure it fits snugly. If your saucer has a lip, it should rest just on top of the wreath. Look for craft wire or twine near the wire craft wreaths. I chose to use the wired twine because it looked natural. Choose your stones or river rock- try to go with natural looking stones so the birds will feel like they are bathing in a creek.
If you like, you may choose strands or ivy or flowers to decorate your wreath with. They can be changed out to fit with any seasonal outdoor decor!
At home:
If you so choose, you may paint your saucer. If it is not glazed, you will want to make sure you glaze or seal it to prevent cracking.
Place the saucer down inside the wreath’s opening. If using a wire wreath (like I did), make sure it fits securely.
Next, cut four pieces of twine or wire the length of your choice (this will depend on where you plan to hang it). Tie each strand evenly around the pour points of the wire wreath. Once secure, tie all strands together at the top, making sure the knot is strong and secure. Pick the bird bath up by the knot, making sure it is properly balanced. If not, untie the knot and trim the strands of twine evenly until the saucer hangs perfectly balanced when picked up.
Place a tin layer of river rock in the bottom of the saucer. Hang in a desired location such as a tree, on a shepherd’s hook or from a hook on your porch. If possible, try to hang it near a bird feeder. Fill with fresh water. You will want to re-fill with fresh water every other day. The birds will not come to the bird bath if the water isn’t fresh. Sit back, relax and enjoy watching the birds as they splash in your newly made bird bath!
This is a project my husband and I did together. We both love to garden and watch birds. This project is perfect for a rainy day, and will get you and your kids excited about spring!
