How To Attract More Birds With A Swinging Bath They'll Love
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Birdbaths have many advantages for bird-lovers and wildlife alike. Birds need the occasional bath to keep their feathers in healthy condition, remove dirt and pests, and cool off on hot summer days. They'll also depend on the bath for drinking water, which is why it's so important to clean it regularly and keep your birdbath from freezing in the winter. Plus, when you're out of bird seed, you can still attract colorful birds with a fresh water source. If you're short on space or looking for a unique birdbath that will add a little more whimsy to your yard, a DIY swinging birdbath could be just the thing. Simply float a solar fountain in a dish of water and hang it from a hook, limb, or porch beam! This affordable DIY is especially advantageous because it works well for small yards and balconies, and it's easier to clean and move than a heavy concrete or ceramic bath.
To make this swinging birdbath, you'll need a spool of twine or cord, a solar powered fountain unit, and a thick plate or planter tray. Consider repurposing a large serving plate, pie dish, or shallow glass bowl so the bath has taller sides. You'll also need a wreath form or braided vines — something like this 12-inch BYER Grapevine Wreaths will do perfectly. Note the diameter of your wreath and your dish; they should be roughly the same so that the dish can nest within the wreath.
Use a wreath form to create a swinging water bowl
To create your own hanging birdbath, lay your braided wreath flat on a tabletop. Tie three equal lengths of cord to the wreath, spacing them evenly around the circumference. Now, tie the ends of the cord together so that the wreath hangs evenly from the knot. Insert your plate or bowl on top of the wreath and place the solar fountain in the middle. Add stones around the fountain, but do not cover the solar cells. This will help to weigh everything down in the wind and provide a place where birds and pollinators can safely rest. For a more dazzling look, use pretty glass beads or marbles. Hang your finished fountain outside in a partially shaded area, add water to the dish, and watch it spring to life! If you find that the fountain pump is too strong and sends water over the edge, many fountain kits like this AISITIN 3.5W Solar Fountain Pump come with removable and interchangeable nozzles to adjust the spray of water.
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Most birds are used to finding water on the ground, so it may take some time for them to discover and warm up to your birdbath. Once they do, the hanging design offers a few key advantages. Ordinarily, bathing on the ground leaves songbirds vulnerable to predators like cats, hawks, and snakes, and it could be one of the reasons birds are avoiding your yard. While it shouldn't be placed too high, a hanging birdbath offers a better view of the surroundings, and it can be placed near branches and shrubs that offer shelter and an easy escape route. Hummingbirds may be especially drawn to showering in a raised, splashy fountain.