Terra Cotta Birdbath

Terra Cotta Bird BathMaterials:

  • (2) 10" Terra Cotta Pots
  • (1) 20" Terra Cotta Saucer
  • (1) Figurine, Statue, Decorative Object

Directions:
Find a location for your birdbath. Look for an area that lacks a focal point or needs something to draw the eye. I chose a bed in my garden that was planted with coleus and pink and purple globe amaranth. Although the color combination was impressive it lacked a central focus. By adding the birdbath I created a place for the eye to rest. The birdbath also helped to jazz up the composition.

You should also consider the function of your birdbath. Place it in an area where birds and other wildlife will feel safe to use it, with nearby places to perch and fly in, close to trees or shrubs.

Stacking the PotsPutting the birdbath together is simple. Place one pot upside down on the ground then set the other pot, right side up, on top of the first pot. This is the base of your birdbath.

Place the saucer on the top as the basin.

To anchor the structure, add a decorative object in the center of the saucer. This adds a touch of personality to the birdbath and keeps the saucer from tipping over. I used a clay rooster made by a friend's daughter in art class.

Fill the saucer with water and you are done!

This project can be put together in a short time but it will have a lasting effect in your garden. And the birds will thank you for it!

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Comments

Birdbath

by P. F. Greene on January 17, 2010 11:06
This is way too cute. I can't wait til Spring to make one!
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Re: Terra Cotta Birdbath

by on January 10, 2010 03:24
There are no bird bath photos just blank blue boxes! I already had to notify the webmaster that the links for the black-eyes peas and the Garden Planning videos are backwards, now I don't see any bird bath photos!
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Terra Cotta Birdbath

by Barbara on January 2, 2010 10:27
Would the clay withstand the cold temperatures of winter? If not, it would be easy to dismantle the structure and store the parts but then there would be no water for the birds. Ideas? Suggestions?
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Terra Cotta Birdbath

by kim on September 24, 2009 12:40
Allen, Thanks for this simple and clever birdbath idea, however it would not do for my garden year round, as the terra cotta is prone to cracking and freezing in the winters and our very large racoons would have it upturned and busted in no time. I have been using a plastic replica of a terra cotta saucer on a large sturdy wooden telephone line cable spool successfully for a few years however. The animals still knock the saucer down at times but it hasn't cracked yet, lol. Instersting stones help hold it in place and give the smaller birds a safe place to land for a drink.
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Picture of final terra cotta birdbath

by Twila Barnett on September 12, 2009 08:29
I loved the idea about the terra cotta birdbath! It sounds like such an economical fun idea. I wish you would have posted a final picture of the finished birdbath in your garden. I'm sure it really added to an already beautiful view.
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bonding agent for terra cotta birdbath

by Nancy Wojno on August 9, 2009 09:01
I love this birdbath. It is very simple and inexpensive. My question is what type of bonding agent did you use or recommend? Do you seal the terra cotta prior to adding water? Thanks, Nancy
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birdbath

by Glenda Rusher on July 31, 2009 04:08
That is nice to look at,I painted pots ,put flowers house and other things on it to make it stand out.I set it out on my front porch.Seeing this makes me want to do another one for the hummers.Wit red flowers and green leaves..I enjoy your site. I need information on memosa trees,if spelled right.
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terra cotta bird bath

by susan on July 16, 2009 02:06
this is a great idea for my front garden no cats to bother the feathered friends trees and shrubs to escape into in case there is a scare will add different color to the garden area cheap and easy to construct thanx a bunch
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bird bath

by Amaya on June 21, 2009 08:17
I love this idea..and made something similar years ago...please have more great ideas for bird baths and planters...thanx.
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Bird bath

by Jinx on June 20, 2009 04:08
Allen, I aslo use pots fixed like this for bird feeders. The only problem I have are the squirells wanting to get to the feed but a heavy object in the saucer could do the trick and keep them from tumping it over.
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