Convert a bird feeder into a wild bird waterer

In dry climates, bird baths dry up in no time.  This bird waterer reduces evaporation so your birds can drink longer.

For some reason, stores do not carry bird watering devices except for bird baths or tiny little water bottles meant for caged birds.

This instructable shows how to convert a typical cheap cheap wild bird feeder into a waterer that will conserve water and require less filling than an open bird bath.

Tools required:
Drill
One inch hole saw
Scissors
Razor knife (optional)
Philips screwdriver

Supplies required:
Cheap wild bird feeder
2 liter bottle
One 1/4" screw
One 1" washer
One tube of clear silicone sealant

Step 1 Drill a hole in the lid

Cut the top from a 2-liter bottle, leaving about 2 inches all the way around the neck. (The safest way to cut a 2-liter bottle is to use a razor knife to make a small hole, then finish cutting using scissors.

Find a spot for the bottle neck on the lid. Set it in place and move it around until you get it right. (See the photos for a good idea of the location.)

The hole should be as narrow as possible. The bigger the hole, the more caulk it will take to seal it up. Also, the bigger the hole, the weaker the seal will be.

Put the bottle neck in place, then drill a small hole for the 1/4" screw and washer. (They are used to keep the bottle neck in place. Without their reinforcement, the seal would slip and break from the twisting motion of screwing the cap on and off.)

Comments

[container_gardener]

I love this. Does it attract a lot of birds?

[weiblen.c]

Yes! The woodpeckers love it. I think they like to stay up in the trees whenever possible. Ours don't like to go onto the ground to drink from puddles or into the open to use birdbaths. I have also seen Steller's jays, chickadees, finches, hummingbirds and even chipmunks drink from it. I think it would depend on your climate. If there is a lot of water around, they wouldn't need it as much. Where I live, it is very dry so they visit every day.

[container_gardener]

Chipmunks also visit? How cute! I'm sure squirrels also drop by. I like your idea because the creatures can drink from a container that won't get dirty as quickly as a traditional birdbath.

[ChrysN]

Nice idea!