THE BIRD FOUNTAIN.

Forest and Bird, Issue 13, 1 September 1927, Page 9

THE BIRD FOUNTAIN.

There is no greater attraction for birds than a bath or fountain. I his should always be placed in the open and elevated on a suitable pedestal to a height of about four feet, otherwise cats will play sad havoc and the birds be disinclined to use the bath as they are particularly easy prey when bathing, and well they know it. Birds will not bathe in foul water, and therefore the bath should be frequently cleansed if not supplied with a continuous flow of water.

The water in the bath should be about three inches deep in the centre, and commence from nothing at the edge. It can quite easily be made by attaching a template or mold, about 18 inches long, fashioned to make the desired shape, to three feet of halfinch piping. Then drive the pipe into soft ground or sand and revolve the template until the shape is formed in the ground. Now raise the template and place about two inches thick of good concrete under it and again revolve the template. This will produce a bath about three feet in diameter. While the concrete is still green any flaws can be filled with sifted sand and cement, and a nice smooth finish can be obtained. The hole in the centre left by the pipe can be fitted with a cork and used to drain out the bath. Place the whole on a pedestal of rough stone cemented together, and you have an ornament fit to grace any lawn and a source of pleasure in watching the birds enjoy their ablutions.