Ditch The Bird Bath: Here's A Better, Space-Saving Solution To Provide Water

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Bird baths are a common way to provide birds with water for drinking and bathing. If you don't have enough space to accommodate a bird bath in your yard, there's another great way to provide them with water. Instead of having a traditional bird bath, turn an old jar into a DIY waterer. This space-saving alternative can entice birds to visit your home or apartment without the need for a large, pedestal-style bath.

When you want to attract a variety of birds to your yard, having the right feeders and water is essential. Birds can drink from multiple water sources, including ponds, puddles, and streams, but a waterer lets them safely and quickly get a drink. Although they lack sweat glands, birds lose water through evaporation by breathing as well as through their droppings. Some species, such as songbirds, need to rehydrate more often than others. 

Just like turning an old mason jar into a DIY water feature for pollinators, you can transform a jar into a great bird waterer with a few common supplies. Doing so will help these little creatures stay hydrated and turn your yard into a welcoming spot for feathered friends. For this project, you'll need a Mason jar and lid, a large pie plate, and waterproof glue, such as Gorilla Glue. To hang it from a tree or post, you'll need a length of twine. Tool-wise, a drill is required for adequate holes. Making a DIY bird water feeder can be done in a few minutes and can be helpful for thirsty birds flying through your neighborhood.

To create a space-friendly waterer, start by cleaning your jar. Afterward, drill a few holes into the lid to let the water droplets leak out. Place a few glue drops on the pie plate, creating beads that you can attach to the lid to raise it slightly above the pie plate. Fill the mason jar with water, screw the lid on, then turn the whole watering system upside down. Wrap twine around the jar (apply glue or double-sided tape underneath to secure it), leaving extra to create a loop for hanging, and you're done. The birds can stop and sip water from the pie plate as it drips in. You can even add a few small rocks to the plate so that thirsty bees can have a drink without getting wet.

When you use this water dispenser to provide fresh water to backyard birds, keep it out of direct sunlight to discourage algae or bacteria from growing in the jar. You can position it next to an existing bird feeder, in slight shade, and near cover. Don't put it too close to any bushes where predators, such as cats, may lurk. According to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR), you should set it at least 5 to 8 feet off the ground. If adding to an apartment patio, situate it under a covered area, if possible. Fill the jar each time it's empty, and wash thoroughly with soap and water every two weeks, rinsing well to remove soap suds.