I bought a really nice round ceramic bowl that I intended to be used as a birdbath on the ground. About 8 inches deep and 18 inches in diameter. Apparently it is too deep for the birds as I never see any using it, though I keep the water level low.So I was thinking I could plant some plants in it that wouldn't mind not having a drainage hole in the bottom. Since it is portable I could place it in sun,shade or anywhere in between.Any ideas?? Or if you have some ideas to make it more attractive to the birds let me know that too. (I've tried placing large rocks in the middle for them to perch on with no luck)thanks
bog plants??
I think birds like having a slope to get into the water. Even if it's shallow (which maybe they can't see well enough to be sure?) they don't like just plopping down into a pool with steep sides. You might try a stick or something across the top, so they could perch on that and lean over to drink. You might start with it near a place where the birds are anyways, and then start easing it over to where you want it once they get used to it.
Or a bog or a container pond. I have both - the bog ones have water iris and pickerell weed. The birdies drink when it rains enough that there's standing water, and sometimes butterflies when it's just a thin puddle. The pond has water lilies and water poppy, with some minnows to eat mosquitoes, and a piece of 4x4 wire mesh over the top to keep the cats and raccoons out. The bigger birds (eg jays) will sit on that to lean in and drink.
It really does make such a huge difference having a water source as far as the amount of wildlife, so I'd definitely say keep playing with it to find what works in your setting. However, right now, there's plenty of water everywhere, so I'm seeing a lot fewer birds and animals coming to my artificial sources than back in the summer.
I think it's the steep sides for sure that is the problem.I thought that large rocks in the center with the water just below it would help.maybe I'll drop the level some more.
Hm have you considered some carnivorous pitcher plants? They would take the winter outdoors and all they need is peat moss for soil and distilled or rain water, no tap water. I love them and they have nice flowers in spring.
Cheryl
teacup... If it is new to them the birds won't come around much. Do you have a small pump that would make a bit of bubbling noise to attract them? As for the depth, Try putting bricks in the bottom and add a flat piece of plastic about one inch smaller than your bowl. Add some pebbles on top, then fill it with water. If you drill a hold in the plastic, the water pump can sit under the plastic and bubble up through the hole.
I assume the pump would need access to an electrical outlet.What is the best way if it is a distance to an outlet?