My DIY solar fountain hummingbird bath works so well for such an easy project that I had to share. You can easily do this and what is great is you don’t need anywhere to plug in for electricity!
My DIY solar fountain hummingbird bath was a hit on Instagram and Facebook so I thought I really should share how I did it. It is so easy and economical. When I thought up this idea I knew I wanted to use mostly things I had on hand rather than investing in new pieces. So I scrounged around my garden supplies, basement treasures and even took apart other things I had made. (the terra cotta dish came from my Terra Cotta Pot fountain) Don’t worry I will replace it.
Get Started
Start with a deep container, I used a galvanize vintage tub. Mine is about 24 3/4″ across the top and 12 to 18 inches deep.
I wanted to use the larger size tub so I could fit a terra cotta dish in it for the birds to land on.
Fountain
I bought this Solar fountain from Amazon. I wanted solar as there is no plug out here and I did not want to drag an extension cord into the garden.
Several spray pattern heads come with it so use the one you like. I chose this one as it has the finest spray which I thought would work best for hummingbirds. (the other tips will get tested to see which I like the best).
I put the tip on at an angle for a reason which you will see later.
Items I had on hand
The other items in my DIY hummingbird bath fountain are a terra cotta dish with some stones in it and an ordinary black pot.
Putting it all together
I used a pot that was nearly the same height as my tub. I sunk it down into the water upside down and let it fill so it would stay under.
Next I place the dish and stones on top of the submerged pot and place it so the fountain spray will hit into the dish.
I tilt the dish so it will drain into the tub.
The solar fountain has a bit of room to move in front of the dish and sometimes it turns and sprays outside of the tub but since the tub is so deep it doesn’t run out of water. It just waters the flowers around it.
I have had this up and running for about a week now, I love it and so does the birds and bees. I have yet to see the hummingbirds using it but I am sure they will find it. Now I want to create another for my deck where we sit for meals. I have another tub ready to go, I just need to get another terra cotta dish and order another fountain.
Let me know if you make one! I think there is so many ways we can take this idea.
Happy Gardening and Hummingbird watching!
Pin and share, I am sure there are plenty of others that would like to try this.
Sharon Chinn says
Love it, Pamela!!! I just showed my husband and I’m going to order the solar pump from Amazon. Thanks so much for this great idea.
Pamela says
It is so easy and simple I wasn’t even going to do a post on it but then I figured others would really love this so I tossed together the post at the last minute. I am going to do another, never enough water features in the garden!
rocky says
actually I saw this I believe in Martha stewart, of course hers was a bit different. but the idea of using what you have works too. Also the shopping station has some great garden ideas for solar fountains. The birds here gather around the two fountains for bathing. with the feeders sporadically hanging in the different areas of the garden, it seems that is all the hummers long for. perhaps they too will find the fountains. I just don’t see any excitement as yet. Though both these fountains were hard wired for electricity, that was changed awhile back Besides using solar lighting in my areas of interest, I also use them inside my kitchen. I had this idea i for the solar string lights. Love the way my garden surrounds all the windows in this area. And love the drama it brings. We can see the grapes growing in the distance with the solar lights lighting the way. So much fun creating hardscapes.
enjoy all your efforts
Marilyn McLeod says
Thank you for sharing this. I think it’s something I could handle! I wanted to get a solar fountain thing and did search Amazon, but most reviews would say that the container would run out of water too fast, and then ruin the fountain as it would keep running and not shut off. But using a big tub like that may solve that problem! I love the idea of “solar” and not having to run a cord across the yard or patio, etc. I’m going to tour some thrift stores and see if I can find a big tub! Marilyn
Bliss says
A solar fountain, genius! Pinning.
Debbie says
Great idea and will be making one. So cute and love the solar. I can put it anywhere in my yard. Thanks!
Dawn says
Love the idea to cool off my humming birds and butterflies ……… Went and bought stuff, ordered mini sprayer and set it all up in perfect spot in my cottage garden. BUT it doesn’ work!!!! It’s been 2 days now in full sun, sprits a few minutes at first when I first put it together and now nothing!!! Galvanized tub is 10 1/2 gallons so plenty deep enough. I don’t usually order very much from Amazon so guess I’m stuck with a defective fountain???
Frustrated,😕
Dawn
Pamela says
Amazon has an excellent return policy, just like any major retailer, especially if a product is defective merely return it for a refund.