How to make a bird bath

Provide vital fresh water for your garden birds.

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Published: June 6, 2014 at 6:10 am

Illustrations by Alan Batley

Fresh water is essential for birds, for drinking and for washing their feathers.

A juvenile blackbird standing on the edge of a bird bath, off Chessington in Kent, England, UK. © Paul Williams/Getty Images
A juvenile blackbird standing on the edge of a bird bath, off Chessington in Kent, England, UK. © Paul Williams/Getty Images

A bird bath is a simple way to provide fresh water, and this step-by-step guide will help you make your own:

First, glue around the bottom of an upturned terracotta pot with glue for outdoor use.

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Place a sealed/glazed saucer on top, and allow the glue to set. The saucer surface should be rough or textured to provide grip.

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Make a small pile of pebbles on one side of the saucer. This will provide both an escape route for birds and a basking spot for insects.

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Fill the saucer with water, ensuring the pebbles are not fully submerged. Keep it clean and topped up with fresh water.

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