It's a hot summer and the garden birds are thirsty: You can buy a bird bath but what fun to dig around in your shed, basement, garage and make one

 

It's been a bone-dry summer, and the garden birds could certainly use some extra water. So, dig around in your garage, basement, or shed for materials to make a birdbath 

Birds need fresh drinking water year-round to stay hydrated and to bathe. Bathing is vital, as birds not only wash themselves but also apply oil to their feathers. This keeps their coats well-insulated and water-repellent.

You can buy a birdbath, but it's more fun to make one together using materials you probably already have lying around in your garage, basement, or shed. Get inspired by these tips and go on a birdbath hunting trip with your (grand)children.

1 Lid, pan or soup spoon

Admittedly, a pot lid often has a handle on top, and if you turn it over to fill it with water, it won't stay up at all. Fortunately, that's easily solved. Find three or more thick stones together and place them underneath. Or, if it's an old frying pan, use the pan itself. An old soup ladle can also serve as a drinking bowl: a real eye-catcher. Although, that does make bathing a bit more difficult.

2 Flower pot coasters

Perhaps you have an unused terracotta flowerpot coaster lying around in your shed. Turn an empty flowerpot upside down as a pedestal, add a coaster, and your birdbath is ready. To liven things up a bit, you can also paint the pot and coaster with acrylic paint and then varnish it to prevent the paint from flaking off just as quickly.

3 Old crockery

Old plates and bowls make very decorative birdbaths. Place a few stones in tall bowls to ensure the water isn't deeper than five centimeters. Otherwise, the birds won't use it, as most don't like deep water.

With the kit, you can even make entire stacks of dishes: alternate jugs and cups with plates or bowls, working from wide (bottom) to narrow (top). This way, you create a beautiful cake stand. The children can, of course, add the water, carefully pouring it into the top cup, and then it gradually flows down to the next level.

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