How to make a hummingbird bath/mister/fountain?

I have a large bird bath and the pine trees attract lots of very small finches that feed on those trees. Sometimes 30 of them are in the bath together flapping their wings until a spray is flying up, and then the hummingbird will fly through that fine mist back and forth as his favorite fuschia bush is right next to the bird bath.

Hummingbirds have difficulty bathing at traditional bird baths, but love to fly through mist! This DIY bird bath project creates the perfect place for hummingbirds to play and bathe. Decorate this hummingbird mister to match your backyard décor, and wait for the hummingbirds to find it!

MATERIALS:

5-gallon plastic container, about 20 x 16 x 12 in.

2 unthreaded 1/2-in. PVC pipes, 14 in. and 15 in. long

1 piece threaded 1/2-in. PVC pipe, 18 in. long

2 PVC elbows for 1/2-in. pipe

1 PVC cap for 1/2-in. pipe

PVC cement

Steel wool

Submeesible pump

Small rocks

One 1/2-in.-female-to-5/8-in.-male adapter

3 mistersSpray primer, paint and finishing spray

STEP 1

Start by cutting the unthreaded PVC pipe. (You can use pipe cutters or a handsaw.) You'll need a 14-in. piece for the left leg and a 15-in. piece for the top. In the 15-in. piece, drill one hole in the center for the top mister and two holes for the bottom misters. The size of the sprayers will determine the size of the holes you drill.

STEP 2

The third piece of PVC, for the right leg, should be threaded at both ends. This piece is likely precut to 18 in. long. You'll want to cut this to roughly 12 in., but first do a little measuring. Attach the adapter to the end of the threaded pipe and pump. Meanwhile, place the cap on the left leg. Stand both legs up so they're even. Mark the top of the right leg to mimic the length of the left leg and make your cut. (Once everything is attached, you'll have a large U.)

STEP 3

It's time to attach all the plumbing pieces together. First rub the ends of the PVC pipe and the insides of the PVC elbows and cap with steel wool. This will help the pieces adhere together. Dust the pieces off, apply PVC adhesive to the outside of the pipe, and connect the elbows and cap. Be sure the holes you drilled face up and down. Let adhesive dry.

STEP 4

Remove sprayers and adapter from the piping, and lightly sand the pipes with steel wool. Start with a coat of primer on the piping and let dry. Prime your container, too, if needed. Once the primer is dry, paint the piping and container with the color of your choice.

After all the base coat paint is dry, it's time to get creative. Paint flowers or your choice of design with acrylic paint. When complete, spray your work with a clear matte finishing spray.

STEP 5

Now it's time to insert the misters. Use a toothpick to add a pea-size amount of cement to the base of the misters. Insert into the drilled holes, making sure not to clog any sprayer openings. Allow cement to dry.

STEP 6

Use the adapter to connect the piping to the pump. (If the seal isn't tight, you might need to add thread seal tape.) Place inside the container, and secure in place with small rocks or bricks.

STEP 7

Set your new hummingbird mister outside near your hummingbirds' favorite feeder or flowers, and add water. Enjoy!