unique bird baths – Unique Birdhouse Boutique

Shape… it’s all about cool designs and what you can do with them!

This aged copper free-form bowl is quite unique with its asymmetrical and flowing shape. A graceful form that imitates nature, it was just one of those “gotta have its”.

Originally we set it up as a bird bath and added some blue and green sea glass for a nice contrast with the flamed copper interior. The chunky pieces also help trap sediments at the bath’s bottom, and provide safer footing for birds.

Recalling at the Atlanta show, the bowl was actually shown as a planter, so we billed it birdbath & planter. It was displayed with succulents and sheet moss, but almost any plants work. A bit of Spanish moss lends itself nicely to the design as well.

Oh yeah, and check the copper birdhouse to round out the set. Functional art for the garden, this birdbath & planter makes for a most unusual focal point. The bird home also provides a great roosting spot during the off season.

And since October is already here, be sure to clean out all old nests in your birdhouses at home. Easiest way is using a plastic grocery bag (make sure there’s no holes), reach in and grab the nest, turn the bag inside-out so you never touch the nest. Discard in the trash, away from the birdhouse as the nest will draw predators.

These shelters may be used by other birds for roosting as colder weather approaches. And by all means, don’t give up on your birdbath either when temperatures drop. Birds require fresh water especially in winter-when many of their natural sources tend to freeze. Consider adding a heater to your bath and watch feathered friends flock to your yard, even on the dreariest of winter days!

The absolute best way to entice feathered friends is with water. Fresh water will attract birds who may never use a birdhouse or even visit your feeders. Bird baths have got to be the single most effective way to get more species visiting your yard.

And if water does the trick so well, think about moving water in your bird baths. It’s an absolute visual magnet for wild birds! If you’re lucky enough to have a pond with fountain or waterfall, or live on a creek, you already know the difference water makes in terms of wildlife-friendly habitat. But if your landscape is dry (like most of us) there are lots of ways to create this moving water. Drippers and water wigglers are wildly popular additions for bird baths, simply because of the all the action they bring. Leaf misters are another great way to create moving water – hummingbirds and especially butterflies love the gentle spray.

Here’s a net trick to make bird baths much more enticing, without spending any money at all! This works best with pedestal bird baths, but may also be adapted for hanging or ground bird baths as well. The bath needs to sit under a tree, as the source of slowly dripping water will come from above. Take a gallon milk jug and poke a pin hole in the lower corner, or bottom. Fill the jug with fresh water and tie it to a sturdy branch that’s at least 3 to 5 feet above the bath. Step away and watch the slow dripping create a visual magnet for your feathered friends! One gallon leaking through a pin hole should last at least 10 days before a refill is needed. The moving water really does attract more birds, plus mosquitoes can not lay eggs in moving water. A great project to try out for spring and summer… Happy Birding!

Groovy Aged Copper Free-form Birdbath & Planter

Add moving water to bird baths