A do-it-yourself bird bath fountain is a recirculating water feature that provides a continuous supply of clean, moving water for backyard birds. This project involves combining a waterproof basin, a small submersible pump, and other supplies to create an attractive water source. Installing a fountain enhances your outdoor space and offers birds a reliable spot for drinking and bathing, which is especially important during hot, dry periods. The gentle sound and motion of the water can significantly increase the number of bird species that visit your garden compared to a traditional still-water bath.
Why Moving Water Attracts Birds
Birds are strongly drawn to moving water because it provides both auditory and visual cues signaling a fresh water source. The sound of dripping or splashing water is a powerful attractant, audible to birds from a greater distance than a quiet pool. The sight of ripples and movement visually confirms the water is not stagnant, which birds instinctually know can harbor bacteria or be unsafe for consumption.
A backyard fountain mimics natural moving water sources like streams and waterfalls. Circulating water prevents the surface tension necessary for mosquitoes to lay their eggs, reducing the risk of a mosquito breeding ground. Additionally, the movement aerates the water, which helps keep it cleaner and discourages the rapid growth of algae and harmful microorganisms.
Essential Components and Supplies
The core of a DIY bird bath fountain is the submersible pump, which moves the water and creates the fountain effect. Look for a quiet, low-profile pump with a low flow rate, typically rated between 35 to 75 gallons per hour (GPH). A pump with an adjustable flow rate is ideal, as it allows you to create a gentle trickle instead of a strong geyser, which small birds prefer.
The main basin or container must be waterproof and large enough to hold the pump completely submerged, with a capacity of at least two to five gallons being common. You will also need vinyl or plastic tubing that fits the pump’s output nozzle, often half an inch in diameter. For stability, gather materials like smooth river rocks or gravel to line the basin, and a waterproof sealant, such as silicone caulk, to secure the cord exit point. Finally, a masonry or diamond drill bit will be necessary if your basin requires a hole for the power cord.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Begin the assembly process by preparing your bird bath basin, which typically involves drilling a hole for the power cord to exit the water reservoir. If using a ceramic or terra cotta basin, use a diamond or masonry drill bit to create a small hole near the bottom edge. Start the hole at a slight angle and keep the drilling area wet to prevent cracking the material.
Next, place the submersible pump inside the basin and feed the power cord through the hole, ensuring the pump is positioned flat on the bottom. Connect one end of the flexible tubing to the pump’s output nozzle and run the other end up to the surface where the water feature will emerge. The tubing can be secured to a small stone or piece of statuary to hold it in place and direct the water flow.
After positioning the pump and tubing, seal the exit point where the cord passes through the basin wall to prevent water loss. Apply a generous amount of waterproof silicone sealant around the cord on both the inside and outside of the hole, allowing the sealant to cure fully. Once cured, fill the basin with water, submerging the pump completely and testing the system by plugging it in to verify the water flow and seal integrity.
Placement and Ongoing Care
The location of your bird bath fountain impacts bird safety and water quality, so choose a spot that offers partial shade to keep the water cooler and slow evaporation. Placing the fountain near dense shrubbery or trees provides birds with quick escape cover from potential predators, but keep it a few feet away to prevent debris from falling directly into the water. Ensure the fountain is situated on level ground to maintain an even water depth and prevent the unit from tipping over.
Routine care involves refilling the water daily, as splashing and evaporation can quickly deplete the reservoir and cause the pump to run dry, which will lead to damage. To maintain water quality, the basin and pump should be cleaned at least once a week using a stiff brush to scrub away algae and mineral deposits. In colder climates, use a bird bath heater to prevent ice formation or drain the fountain entirely and bring the pump indoors for the winter, as freezing water can crack the basin and destroy the pump motor.