Forget Classic Bird Baths: This DIY Water Feature Adds A Splash Of Magic To Any Yard

Both homeowners and gardeners are always on the lookout for more ways to attract birds to their yard. Birds play an important role in your backyard ecosystem, which helps maintain the balance between plants and wildlife. The birds act as pollinators, plus they feed on harmful pests that would otherwise damage your harvest. You've probably seen the iconic white basins on stone pillars that have been the standard bird bath design for decades. That's because they actually work! Bird baths are a great way to guarantee birds flock to your yard. That being said, the classic bird bath design is a bit outdated. Why not try a waterfall instead?

Updating to a more modern option like a water feature may boost your chances of bringing more feathered friends to your space. For a fun and functional DIY water feature that makes a statement, consider installing an archway waterfall. Creating a clean, comfortable oasis for your birds with an archway is simple and more affordable than you may think. Providing shade and preventing the water from standing still are just a few of the simple tips and tricks to attract more birds to your bird bath that this DIY water feature adds to your backyard. Plus, it creates an enchanting atmosphere that Snow White would be proud of.

While adding a bird bath to your yard will absolutely help to bring more birds to your space, it may not be as effective as it can be. The classic bird bath is a simple tray of water on a pedestal that birds can stop at for a refreshing, restful cleaning session. However, birds are more attracted to water that is in motion rather than standing water. Moving water can bring in more birds, improve cleanliness, and stimulate natural bird behavior by mimicking natural environments. Plus, it doesn't have to be a big investment. There are plenty of DIY water features you could add to your backyard to attract more birds.

Some people will simply add a small bubbler to their existing birdbath to create movement. Yet, most modern bird bath designs that'll have colorful friends flocking to your yard feature more intricate water features than the classic bird bath, including falling water and multi-tiered fountains. So while a waterfall isn't necessarily better than a classic birdbath, ensuring your water is in motion will make all the difference. A waterfall just helps to enhance the essence of your space and bring some magic to your yard.

There are plenty of waterfall bird baths on the market, or you can get creative and build your own. To construct your own archway waterfall, you will need a water source for the waterfall and somewhere for the water to collect. You can use anything to catch the water, from a basin like a standard bird bath to a fully integrated backyard pond. For the waterfall, you will need a water pump, a hose, and a fixture to distribute the water like a rain shower head. Select the archway you want and install it over the water collection area. Place the water pump so it is submerged fully in the water and run the hose up the archway. If the archway is hollow, you can feed the hose through it and drill a hole at the top so it is completely hidden. Attach the fixture, and you're done! You can adorn the archway with any type of synthetic or living foliage or decoration to complete the look.

Once you have the waterfall working, you will want to make sure the surface of the water is still inviting for local wildlife. Familiarize yourself with the birds in your area to avoid making the crucial mistake of selecting the wrong bird bath environment. Most birds are looking for shallow, clean water to bathe in, so you can arrange decorative rocks in a way that leaves enough water on the surface for a bird to dip their feathers in.