Tuesday, January 17, 2017

BEAUTIFYING A WINTER BIRD BATH

Want to see a 
BIRD BATH
makeover?
Sure you do!
I bought a heated
bird bath to keep 
water close by the
feeders for our
feathered friends.
It is FUNCTIONAL but
NOT PRETTY.
No stand?
No problem.
I wired it to an old
milk can I have had 
for years.
Pretty tacky looking, huh?
It's okay!
You can agree with me- 
IT LOOKS TACKY~
It sits on a rubbermaid
top so that it doesn't
get rust on the patio.
because MyHero hates rust
and likes to scold me about it

Hmmmm...
With a little help from my
Partner In Crime
oldest son,
we (ahem) borrowed some
greens from an abandoned
property.
Don't ask where because 
I want to go back next year
and if I tell YOU all my 
greens will be gone.

This is at the base of my
back stoop so I can get 
to it easily to fill it with
fresh water.
I wrapped this
baby with greenery,
tying it as I went.
Now it looks better AND 
I think that the birds will be
more inclined to use it.
Not bad huh? 
And the morning after
I woke up to snow.
Sweet white snow.
If I were a bird I would be
inviting all my friends over for a
POOL PARTY...
IF I didn't have to put on a
bathing suit, that is.

your photo name

81 comments:

Kathy said...

That is really pretty. You might want to plant things there since those branches will eventually die. I think it's clever though.

Gina said...

That is the perfect solution and it looks great too! If I were a bird, I think I'd enjoy it!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

not tacky at all, love it!

Stephen Andrew said...

Adorable! I have been bird obsessed lately so I need to do this too. It's been soooooo grey and dreadful that I think I'm just desperate to see something other than grey bark out my windows.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

I'm sure the birds didn't mind it the way it was, but I imagine the boughs made it seem like they were a bit more sheltered. The heated water is a nice touch in this weather! -Jenn

Lisa said...

The greenary looks great! Im sure the birds will love it. I have an old rusted birdbath that I want to redo but the husband thinks it would be easier to buy a new one but that takes all the fun out of it.
Lisa

Pam Kessler said...

That's ingenious! I bet they start making homes in the pine boughs and then you'll have a whole slew of new baby birds in the spring (to poop on your porch), but you can wash it away with their bath water :)

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

What a great idea and now the little birdies have water to drink instead of eating ice. lol

Debra She Who Seeks said...

That greenery makes ALL the difference!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

A hot tub for birds, All they need now are miniature glasses of wine.

Susie said...

Diana, I have to get one of those...for our little birdies here. I do like it with the greenery wrapped around. Our birds have to cut a hole in the ice to drink, some times. But not this week...it's 55 degrees here this morning.No snow, no ice, and finally no fog. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Kelly said...

Well that's a great idea since your winter months are so cold! I'm sure the birds love it! I like the greens wrapped around it. I need to do a better job remembering the birds around here. Their feeders are empty as I type this!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness...what an awesome idea, Diana!!!! I love it. ...:)JP

Sylvia said...

You did good, Diana, now it's all 'dressed' up for a party!

Down On The Farm said...

That looks GREAT!! You are so clever and handy :)!!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks great now!!

Jettie said...

Love it, now to get a bird bath

WE said...

Great capture, thanks for sharing these pictures.

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

You are so sweet. St Francis would love you!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

That looks very nice with the branches added. The squirrels would be all over it here- I had 5 black squirrels and a few grey squirrels running about near the bird feeders this morning. I love watching all the outside activity from my kitchen table.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You are so good to your birds! But if it gets too cold....they can fly South. We have tons of birds in our feeders right now. Hope the ice isn't too bad today and you are where you want to be! Hugs!

Junkchiccottage said...

Oh my this is fabulous. Wow you channeled your inner Martha Stewart today. The birds will be singing.
xoxo
Kris

Estelle's said...

Now Diana...I just know your birds are going to so enjoy this! What a fabulous idea you had! Beautiful!

Attic Clutter said...

Oh love the heated bird bath Diana..:)
and the greens look super!!
Thanks on my Valentine doll :)
hugs,Patty

Annesphamily said...

What a cute makeover! The birds will be happy!Poor birds need down coats! This cold weather is crazy! Thank you for seeing that disgusting comment. I deleted it forever! I want to blog in peace and quiet, now these unhappy people are going to try to stuff their agenda down our throat at our blogs! Aack! It has been several years since anyone mean and hateful came calling at my blog! Stay warm and I know you are happy about your team going on to the next playoff! Hugs!

Adam said...

looks good

Chatty Crone said...

You should be a writer - you had my attention the entire time. Loved your story and the way the birdbath turned out. Very nice. So did any birds come to get a drink?

Okio B Designs said...

We need a bird bath. We have a feeder but I find it quite relaxing to watch the birds visiting a bird bath.

Jeanine

Vee said...

That looks fabulous! Who cares what it looked like before? If you find a suit that cloaks, I don't care about lifting and separating either. LOL!

God's Grace Overflows said...

What a great idea! We must do whatever necessary to keep the birds watered and fed through the winter. I'll have to show this to my FIL...he tends to our birdies out here. 😊

Have a great day! Stay warm!
Hugs, Amy

Ricki Treleaven said...

I love that the birds have a "hot tub" instead of an ice bath! The greenery looks pretty, too.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Love it and I bet the birds will love it too. So natural and pretty. Xo

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

How clever you are Diana. I love watching the birds as they come to the feeders. We have a copper bird bath and two cement ones ( that can't be used in winter). We have a much milder winter than you, so the copper one does fine. I love the pretty boughs around your heated bath. It gives the birds a place to hide after a swim. Bathing suits--I just look for a cover up! Have a great day. xo ♥

Linda said...

Oh my gosh...that looks fantastic Diana!!!!
What a transformation...kudos to you!!
I also "borrow" greenery ...your secret is safe with me!
Enjoy your week...temps on the rise here again!!
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Debby said...

You are so nice even to the birds.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Hey, the birds don't care! They just want fresh water!
Brenda

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

LOL - you gotta love that Maxine. It looks terrific with the greenery around it and I am sure the birds appreciate it very much.

I love my birds too, but I don't have to get them heated water for a bath.

The snow looks so pretty. We are getting more rain starting tomorrow evening YEA YEA YEA

Have a great week Diana.

Hugs dear friend,
Mary

Rose L said...

Looks so much better and more inviting for the birds. I love the cartoon! I am so sick and tied of snow and ice. Keeps me homebound...I did venture a few steps into the backyard using a cane and a walking stick. Rather risky...but you will see why in my next blog post.

Heaven's Walk said...

You creative soul, you! That looks great, Diana!

xoxo laurie

This N That said...

Aren't you clever..Looks much better..What happens when the greens are no longer green?? Oh, right..yu know where you can get more..!!!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

You turned lemons into lemonade!....the birds are definitely singing your praises!!!

Carla from The River said...

Well done ;-) it does look good. Now add some green and gold ribbons to the greenery and we will have a Go Pack Go birdbath area. ;-)
Love Ya!
Carla

Bonnie said...

So sweet of you to go to so much trouble to help the birds. Your little blue bird does look cold. How nice he could warm up in your bath all heated for him.

amazingsusan said...

Clearly your creativity knows no bounds!

Creations By Cindy said...

I think it looks great . Hugs and blessings , Cindy

Red Rose Alley said...

Diana, your bird bath looks delightful now. What a clever idea to use the green branches to cover it. And I love the picture of it the next day with all the snow! Was the water frozen too? Oh, those sweet little birds.....ya gotta love them. :)


~Sheri

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Perfect solution! I love the greens. Hey! They look like my tree out in front of my house!

Pam said...

Okay, so seriously the bird bath does not look bad on the can...the wires to heat the water might make it look a little off. But I think it is an adorable idea. Aa for the greenery .....great job.

Merlesworld said...

Heated bird baths well I never we need to put ice in ours over here at the moment.
Merle......................

krishna said...

I love the way you made heated birdbath..so lovely.. XOXO

Anonymous said...

I love your bird bath and how nice for you to get a heated one for the little birdies. The added greens looks good. No, I won't ask where they are! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

The birds are going to love it! The branches make it look great!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I think you did a great job and the birds should love using it.

Maria Elena said...

I love it, Diana! And the idea of the greens is brilliant. So pretty! The birds are lucky to have you.:) xxx Maria

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Ha! What a clever lady you are and what happy birds!
XO
Jemma

Feral Turtle said...

Your feathered friends will be so excited for many fabulous pool parties this winter. Really looks great Diana!

Donna said...

You are one talented and resourceful gal! The location is perfect so you don't have to tramp through the snow to fill the birdbath. Kudos to your partner in crime! xoxo

Cranberry Morning said...

Great idea, Diana! Your feathered friends will love you even more! I'll have to tell my daughter about this. She's noticed that someone's been cutting her greenery!!! Lol

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

You are so kind to do this and the greenery adds just the right touch. I've been thinking of getting a feeder for the patio so we can watch the birds through the window. And that Maxine always cracks me up!

Cranberry Morning said...

I just realized that I should say I'm joking when I write silliness, so that your other readers will know I'm not serious. Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday, Diana.

Nonnie said...

Now you are so clever in your creations. I bet you will have a continuous flow of birdies coming to visit your hot tub! I love it! The Maxine cartoons crack me up!

shabbyfufu said...

Such a great idea and I too "borrow" greenery from my neighbors. You won't tell them...right?

Katie Mansfield said...

Such a great idea. Beautiful with the snow.

Sherri said...

Diana, that bird bath looks lovely!! What an ingenious idea! Good job :)!!

Launna said...

Diana, you are so creative... what a great way to hid the parts you don't like... I love that last comic about getting a bathing suit that covers all of me... haha... I am up for that xox

Diane said...

What a wonderful way to make the birds happy during the winter.

Hugs Diane

Lori said...

Love, love this... need to make one for our Texas birds.

Debby Ray said...

I am sure your fine feathered friends are singing your praises in between gulps of water and those warm baths! This was such a good idea and it look WONDERFUL!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

thanks for the chuckle. I had to agree it was a little tacky, but all's well that ends well!

Kim said...

I love it!! Functional for your feathered friends (and kind!) and super pretty with all the greenery!

Anonymous said...

Good Morning! I love the bird bath! I need a turtleneck, long-sleeve bathing suit!

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Diana girl this was such a cute post ! (I am using Garden PA's computer .. Sophie and I are not in our usual routine and we are both frayed at the EDGES !! haha
Love the greens surrounding the bath it is beautiful and if I were a bird (imagine an ostrich with a weight problem) I would love to stick my feet ? in it .. go figure ? LOL
Hope your hero is feeling better and that you are too !
Take care
Joy : )
Maxine and I are soulmates ! haha

Anonymous said...

Hi Diana! Thanks for popping in to see me and I was wondering if you still have your beautiful home up for sale? Inquiring minds want to know! ;)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Aren't you the creative one! The birds will love all that greenery you put around it too! I think it looks really awesome!

BeachGypsy said...

I love the fancy bird pool!! Are they using it yet??

PKBrandon said...

Haha! Yeh, it was pretty tacky looking but gorgeous now!!!

Bee Lady said...

I think the birds will love it more with the "borrowed greenery" around it too. It gives them something to land on before going for a dip. It turned our great! I love it!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

You took the birds from Hells Kitchen to Park Avenue Diana. Better watch out...they may tell their friends ;)

Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm said...

luv that milk can and would have put a metal tractor seat on it...just sayin'...lol

A Joyful Cottage said...

Clever cover up. You've been busy. xo

Audrey said...

Love the idea of a heated bird bath. Will be on the look-out for one. I like how you dressed yours up.
New follower.
Hugs,
Audrey Z. Timeless Treasures