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We all know that feeders will attract birds to your backyard, but we sometimes underestimate how important it is to have a water source available for them as well. Birds need water to drink and bathe just like we do. However, you don't have to go out and spend a fortune on a fancy birdbath from your local lawn and garden store. You can make one yourself using a clay saucer, bowl or flowerpot that you have laying around the house or garden. When it comes to water sources, birds are not very particular, as long as the water isn't too deep or the surface too slippery. They will flock to water that has collected in the lid of an overturned garbage.

However, I have a sneaking suspicion that you don't want your yard littered with garbage can lids. A homemade clay birdbath is an inexpensive and unique solution. The easiest way to create a clay birdbath is to simply fill a clay saucer with water and set it in a place where it will not be easily disturbed by predators or damaging weather. You can add a few small stones, creating varying depths to accommodate different sizes of birds. An old clay or ceramic bowl will do the trick as well, provided that its not more than a few inches deep.

A more elaborate version can be created using several large clay flowerpots, which you can find at your local lawn and garden center, craft shop or home goods retailer. The birdbath will look best if the clay pots decrease in size in fairly equal increments. You can make this birdbath with as little as one flowerpot, or you can use as many as you like. Make sure that the largest pot comes with a clay saucer or purchase a separate saucer, which is where the water will be stored.

Turn the flowerpots upside down and stack them one on top of another, with the largest pot on the bottom. This will create the base or stem for your birdbath. A silicone adhesive should be used to bond the pots together. Once your stem has reached the desired height, place the saucer, right side up, on top of the base you have created and secure it with adhesive as well, making sure that it is level and centered. This completes the construction aspect of the project.

You can leave your birdbath plain for a more natural look, or you can decorate it with paint, stencils or sponges. You could get really fancy and create a mosaic design using pieces of ceramic or glass, or arrange stones or seashells in interesting patterns. For most of these design ideas, you will want to apply several layers of acrylic sealer once everything has dried to help protect your masterpiece. Sealer is available at most home improvement and hardware stores, in both spray-on and brush-on varieties.

Your finished product is a cheap yet sturdy water source that demonstrates your own personal flare. Position it in your lawn where you can view it from a window or patio and sit back and delight in watching birds of all colors and sizes drink and bathe.

Learn more about this author, Marie Gerber.
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