Not Bird Baths, Not Misters: The Cheap Alternative Hummingbirds Can't Resist

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If you've ever watched a hummingbird hover effortlessly over a flower in midair, you'll quickly understand why so many homeowners and bird enthusiasts look for ways to draw more hummingbirds into their yard or garden. Of course, luring hummingbirds to your yard requires more than simply standing at the window hoping they'll stop by — you have to give them a reason to stay.

One YouTuber, @robbieandgarygardeningeasy, does an excellent job of demonstrating this by building her own version of a bubbler bird fountain using a pet drinking fountain as a water source and base, and an upside-down terracotta pot as a decorative cover. She ingeniously employs a simple jumbo straw as a conduit to carry the water from the pump to the top of the terracotta pot.

Like many bird species, hummingbirds love to gather around a reliable water source, and one with bubbling water can be even more appealing. The surface area of the pot creates an opportunity for even more birds to take advantage of the flowing water compared to a traditional fountain spout, which typically concentrates water into a single stream. This setup also allows them to take a dip in the basin and get a rinse from the gentle cascading water.

The DIY water feature can be easily replicated, and it doesn't require expensive materials. Small terracotta plant pots can be found at Home Depot for less than $5. The pet fountain itself comes with the pump and water circulation system. These fountains are pretty easy to set up and can be found on Amazon or your local pet store for around $20. Just make sure that the spout is located in the middle, like this Veken Pet Fountain. With this model, as well as many modern ones, you even have the option of connecting it to a USB power bank if you don't have outdoor outlet access. 

To create your hummingbird paradise, you'll first set up the pet fountain as you normally would. From there, cut a slit into a 2 or so inch piece of the straw so that it fits snugly on top of the pump's nozzle. Top everything off with your terracotta pot, and your hummingbird fountain is ready to go. For an easy and quick artistic finish, try applying a few stenciled designs or a vibrant coat of paint to the pot beforehand. If terracotta isn't quite your style, a metal or plastic plant pot can be substituted for a different aesthetic. 

Or, if you're looking for a more nature-inspired look, give it a complete upgrade by arranging and stacking river rocks or decorative stones around your makeshift spout instead. It's also worth mentioning that you can ditch the USB plug completely by using a solar-powered fountain. These models don't require any electricity — just enough sunlight to get going.