How to Make a Drip Birdbath
Scattering birdseed in your yard won't attract songbirds nearly as well as adding an inviting birdbath with a drip feature. The reason is simple: birds have a very limited sense of smell, and they compensate with excellent hearing. The sound of splashing or dripping water lets them know that water---probably very fresh water---is near. A durable drip system can be as simple as an old hose attached to the size of a half-wine barrel "pond," but a birdbath dripper will be more appealing to visiting birds. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Large terracotta pot saucer (at least 12") or other suitable "tub"
- Plant stand that fits saucer (or other sturdy base)
- ¼-inch sunproof PVC tubing
- Plastic ¼-inch tubing clips
- Faucet Y-valve
- Garden hose to 1/4 inch tubing adapter
- Super-type glue
- Other fasteners as needed
Instructions
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1
Choose the best location for your birdbath. Birds prefer some branches above their feeders or baths to protect them from birds of prey, but too much vegetation creates safe haven for cats and other threats closer to the ground. The ideal spot will also be fairly close to a faucet, for a steady water supply. (Place the birdbath in an area where excess or overflowing water will help rather than harm the surrounding plants.) You'll also want it to be visible from your house, so you can watch all those backyard birds enjoying their new spa.
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2
Set your terracotta saucer into the plant stand. Place it in the location you've chosen, making sure that placement meets your expectations. Is it safe for birds? Can you easily see the birdbath from the house?
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3
Attach the tubing adapter to one end of the tubing. Attach the Y-valve to the water faucet. Attach the adapter to the Y-valve.
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4
Walk the route from faucet to birdbath, unrolling the rest of the tubing along the way. Glue a plastic tubing clip to the outside of the saucer. Starting back at the water faucet, secure the tubing as needed along its entire route, using tubing clips, lightweight wire, plastic garden tape, Velcro holders or other suitable materials.
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5
Run the tubing up one leg of the plant stand (attach) then pop it into the tubing clip glued to the side of the birdbath. Arch the remaining tubing up and over the birdbath edge and cut to the exact length needed. Turn on the water to the birdbath at the Y-valve, and adjust it to the desired volume.
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6
Clean the birdbath regularly, first detaching the tubing from the tubing clip. Remove the saucer from the stand, scrub thoroughly with water and a stiff brush, then rinse. Return the birdbath to the stand, reattach the tubing and turn on the water.
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Tips & Warnings
Birdbaths should be no more than a few inches deep to encourage birds to bathe and splash.
Buy enough tubing to cover the entire route from faucet to birdbath. For improved aesthetics, plan to secure the tubing as invisibly as possible---along garden borders, up tree trunks, along branches, etc.
Add a dripper to a birdbath in a remote corner of your yard by poking a tiny hole in any sturdy container---a plastic milk jug, enamel wash pan, water pitcher, etc.---then fill with water and hang over the birdbath.
Make sure whatever tub or tray you use for the birdbath is made of---and painted or coated with---safe, non-toxic materials.
