How do you make a hummingbird water fountain?

Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that add beauty and joy to any backyard. With their glittering, iridescent feathers and incredible flying abilities, it’s no wonder why so many people enjoy watching them. One great way to attract hummingbirds to your yard is by providing a water fountain made especially for them. But how exactly do you go about making one? Read on to learn the steps for making your own simple, yet effective hummingbird fountain.

What is a Hummingbird Water Fountain?

A hummingbird water fountain is a man-made water feature designed to provide drinking and bathing water specifically for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds have unique anatomy that requires them to drink nectar and water very frequently throughout the day. The narrow, curved shape of their beaks allows them to reach into trumpet-shaped flowers for nectar. This makes it difficult for them to drink from shallow water sources. A hummingbird fountain has a basin with continuously flowing water and special ports for the birds to easily dip their beaks into. The moving water entices them to stop for a drink and prevents mosquito breeding. Strategically placing one in your yard is an excellent way to attract these special little birds.

Why Should You Make a Hummingbird Fountain?

Providing a water fountain in your yard tailored for hummingbirds has many benefits:

• It offers a dependable, fresh water source. Hummingbirds get dehydrated quickly and can die within hours without adequate hydration.
• The water allows them to bathe. Bathing helps hummingbirds preen their feathers and maintain healthy plumage.
• It attracts more hummingbirds to your yard. They are territorial and will return often once they find a reliable water supply.
• Watching their graceful movements and fluttering wings up close as they drink and bathe is fascinating.
• You can easily see females gathering nesting materials from your yard if they nest nearby.
• A fountain provides appealing habitat that makes your yard more hospitable for these special pollinators.

Installing your own water feature made for hummingbirds enables you to observe their interesting behaviors. It’s also a great project for crafty people to build themselves.

Choosing a Location

When deciding where to place your hummingbird fountain, here are some factors to consider:

• Select an open spot away from bushes or overhanging branches. Hummingbirds feel vulnerable drinking and bathing with obstructed views.
• Choose a shady area. Direct sun will heat the water, making it uncomfortable for them.
• Keep it near flowering plants. They will fly to the fountain frequently when foraging in your garden.
• Pick a somewhat secluded place away from activity. Loud noises and movement will deter hummingbirds from visiting.
• Avoid areas where cats hunt. Predators make hummingbirds wary of approaching.

Aim for a quiet area shaded by trees or your home where you can see the fountain from indoors. Placing it by native plants that attract hummingbirds will encourage more frequent visits.

Choosing a Fountain Style

Hummingbird fountains come in many shapes and styles. The key features to look for are:

• Bowl or basin reservoir to hold water
• Tubing directing water to pouring spouts
• Multiple raised perches for the birds to rest
• Trumpet or tube-shaped ports they can easily sip from

Here are some common fountain styles:

• Hanging fountains: Suspended basin with pouring spouts attached by hooks to eaves or branches
• Deck-mounted fountains: Basin attached to a deck railing with tubing to a hanging tray of spouts
• Ground fountains: Basin sits on the ground with a short stand holding the pouring spouts
• Pole systems: Basin mounts atop a tall pole with tubing running down to the spouts

Choose a style that fits your landscape design and needs. Make sure it holds enough water to operate between refills while staying light enough to handle.

Materials Needed

The required materials depend somewhat on the style of fountain you build. Here are the basic components you’ll need:

• Basin or containers – Ceramic, glass, or plastic work well
• Tubing – Flexible plastic or rubber
• Water pump – Solar-powered or electric
• Nozzles – Special hummingbird spouts or drip irrigation parts
• Stand or hanger – For suspending or mounting basin
• Decorative embellishments – Rocks, marbles, flowers

Optional materials that add visual appeal include:

• Glass gems, rocks, or marbles in basin
• Artificial vines or flowers
• Paint to decorate basin and components
• Mosaic tiles

Focus first on gathering the basic functioning parts. Then add decorative elements to make your fountain unique.

Selecting a Basin

The basin holds the water reserve for your fountain. Consider these factors when selecting one:

• Material – Glass, glazed ceramic and plastic are good options
• Size – A larger size holds more water
• Shape – Cylindrical or bowl-shaped basins work well
• Depth – At least 5-6 inches deep to hold pump
• Stability – Flat-bottomed, not too light

For a hanging fountain, look for a basin with a bail or handle for suspending it. Prioritize stability if making a ground style fountain so it doesn’t easily spill. Aim for a capacity of 2-3 gallons to start.

Choosing a Water Pump

The pump circulates water from the basin up to the pouring spouts. Here’s what to look for in a pump:

• Pump Capacity – 25-100 gallons per hour
• Power Source – Electric or solar
• Tubing Fitting – Flexible plastic or rubber
• Adjustable Flow – Control spout water volume
• Submersible – Runs fully under water

Solar-powered pumps don’t require wiring and run only during daylight. Electric models offer adjustable flow control. Purchase plastic tubing sized to fit pump fittings.

Selecting Hummingbird Spouts

Specialized hummingbird spouts are tapered for easy sipping. Options include:

• Plastic spouts – Affordable, in various shapes
• Glass tube spouts – Classy looking with colored glass
• Copper tubing – Durable with an artisanal vibe
• Stainless steel – Sophisticated modern aesthetic

Plastic spouts are inexpensive and come in multipacks. For a more elevated look, go for art glass, copper, or stainless styles. Install at least two spouts to accommodate multiple hummingbirds.

Setting Up the Fountain

Once you’ve gathered all the materials, here are the steps for putting it together:

1. Thoroughly clean the basin, spouts, tubing and pump.
2. Place the pump in the basin according to directions.
3. Run tubing from the pump outlet up through the spout opening.
4. Attach hummingbird spouts to the ends of the tubes.
5. Secure the assembly to a stand or hanger.
6. Add water to basin until pump is fully submerged.
7. Plug in pump and make flow adjustments if needed.
8. Let water flow and check for leaks.
9. Add optional decorative rocks, plants or embellishments.

Take your time setting each piece in place securely to prevent leaks. Adjust the water flow to provide a steady drip or gentle stream of water into the spouts.

Caring for Your Fountain

Basic maintenance is required to keep your hummingbird fountain working properly:

• Keep water topped up to prevent pump from running dry.
• Change water regularly to avoid mosquito breeding.
• Clean basin, spouts and tubing weekly.
• Use bleach solution for thorough cleaning monthly.
• Keep pump fully submerged and away from sediment.
• Bring fountain indoors if temperatures drop below freezing.

Routinely cleaning all parts prevents buildup of mineral deposits and algae that can clog the fountain over time. Refilling the water ensures a fresh supply for visiting hummingbirds.

Getting Hummingbirds to Use the Fountain

It may take a little while for hummingbirds to discover your new water feature. Here are some tips to attract them:

• Place red colors on or near the fountain as hummingbirds are drawn to that color.
• Sit near the fountain frequently, as movement and noise indicates a safe place for them.
• Make sure there are plenty of nectar-producing flowers around the fountain.
• Add a nectar feeder hanging close by to provide supplemental food.
• Have patience! It may take a few weeks for the birds to regularly visit.

Enjoy watching the amazing aerobatics hummingbirds exhibit once your fountain gets discovered! With a little time and tweaking of the design, your homemade creation will soon become a neighborhood hotspot.

Conclusion

Crafting your own hummingbird water fountain is an easy and rewarding weekend project. The required materials are readily available at hardware and home improvement stores. With basic skills, you can assemble a fountain customized to your own taste and yard décor. Place your fountain near enchanting blooms in a peaceful spot to create an inviting haven. Enjoy the beauty and joy of attracting these captivating pollinators to your outdoor space. The relaxing trickle of water and iridescent flash of tiny feathers will be delightful additions to your landscape.