Stagnant water in a bird bath is unsightly and unattractive to birds.
A waterfall circulates water in a birdbath, prevents the water from becoming stagnant and attracts new species of birds. Stagnant water is not only unsightly, it also breeds mosquitoes, which are unwelcome garden pests. Some bird species prefer to bathe in moving water, or are attracted to the sound of moving water. Although commercially available solar waterfalls provide freedom from electric cords, they are often very expensive. Using vivarium waterfall-building techniques from supplies available at hardware stores, craft supply stores and pet shops, you can easily build an inexpensive waterfall bird bath. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Build the Bird Bath
1. Paint the inside of the terra cotta pot and saucer with clear polyurethane sealant. Allow to dry and cover with a second coat if needed.
2. Decorate the outside of the terra cotta pots and saucer with outdoor craft paints. Allow to dry completely.
3. Seal the outside of the terra cotta pots and saucer with clear polyurethane sealant. Allow to dry thoroughly and apply a second coat if needed.
4. Apply a liberal coat of liquid nails adhesive to the inside rim of the 14-inch terra cotta pot. Place the 16-inch terra cotta pot upside-down on your work surface and stack the 14-inch terra cotta pot on top. Remove any extra adhesive that oozes out between the pots.
5. Apply a liberal coat of liquid nails adhesive to the inside rim of the 12-inch terra cotta pot. Stack the 12-inch terra cotta pot on top of the 15-inch pot. Remove any extra adhesive that oozes out between the pots.
6. Apply a liberal coat of liquid nails adhesive to the bottom of the 12-inch terra cotta pot. Place the terra cotta saucer right side up on top of the stack of terra cotta pots. Place a weight inside the saucer to hold it firmly in place. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Build the Waterfall
7. Place the aquarium pump in the terra cotta saucer so that the cord hangs over the edge.
8. Build a "practice waterfall" out of rocks, tile or pot shards so that it covers the pump. Be sure to leave a little space around the pump for water flow.
9. Attach a short piece of tubing to the aquarium pump; it should be just long enough to extend to the top of the waterfall.
10. Apply expansion foam sealant to the rocks of the waterfall one layer at a time, allowing the structure to dry between layers.
11. Cut the plastic tubing flush with the top of the waterfall and apply expansion foam sealant to secure it in place.
Tags: terra cotta, 12-inch terra, 12-inch terra cotta, Apply liberal, Apply liberal coat, coat liquid