I watch my birds in the birdbath every day I love, love, love it so much…! Found at a lucky, lucky yard sale….AND found the insulators on the same trip out,…it was MEANT to be!
When garden flower color takes a back seat, the wildlife have become the stars. It’s been a regular Birdie-Palooza here and I’ve moved the birdbath to a spot on the patio within view of the largest windows, with winter views in mind.
Even when we can’t garden due to physical limitations or weather conditions, it’s nice to be able to see out and have something interesting to observe. The birds really have been enjoying the reliable water source and seem to appear as soon as the sun peeks over the mountain. I’m having fun learning to recognize their different peeps and calls.
I found the bird bath and the turquoise insulators at a yard sale in summer and they seemed to go together! I wonder if the sparkly color of the turquoise insulators may attract more birds? The insulators were used on every electric telephone pole to insulate the wires from the wood. As they age, the once clear insulators turn aqua blue. They can be found in antique or thrift stores and sometimes yard sales like these.
I fill it with fresh water everyday and scrub it out with a scrub brush I keep out there handy. I noticed a crack dripping water and fixed it, I think, with GE II Silicone for exterior windows in clear.
I hide behind the curtains, jumping up when I see the birds gather there, but somehow the goldfinches know when I’m there. So many times, I’ve stood for some minutes, waiting, only to toss the camera down in frustration. Lately, after getting quite a few shots, I’ve just been enjoying them, not trying to ‘capture’ them.
I love to photograph the birds at the bath and many times, Tractor Man has come out and seen me hiding behind curtains to get the shots. “Ha!” he laughs.
First, there was one, then two and my goal was to get three!
Three together in the same bird bath? How garden geeky of me! Then the most amazing thing happened!! Four wonderful woodpeckers, all at the same bird bath! Just for me, I thought,…fantastical and magical!
The absolute best ‘visit’ was the flock of nine or ten Western bluebirds that visited daily this summer. It was always the same number, so I knew that they must have made their home nearby,…maybe in the manzanita bushes.
A bird bath seems to be an ordinary thing, but is turning out to be quite amazing to me. I hope you have one, too!
Interesting glass insulators indoors and in the garden
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This morning, the neighbors cat jumped up and drank out of the birdbath. Luckily Maggie May (our Corgi) was snoozing or all hell would have broken loose!
I have definitely noticed that birds seem to be attracted to the color turquoise—even if they only see in shades of gray, they seem to know that color maybe by their own methods. I once had a shed door that I had painted all sorts of colors over the years, but when I painted it bright turquoise, all the birds around came to check it out.
That's very interesting, Stephie,....I didn't know for sure, but it sure has been a fantastic year for bird watching. every time, Tractor Man (above) saw me behind the curtains,...he just shook his head, laughing... more bird photos...!
My husband brought home a dozen of these years ago. I was at a loss of what to do with them. I think they are pretty. Now I know what to do. All I need is a bird bath. Where is the best place to get one?
Sue, I would not have thought of this but have admired your blue insulators in your bird bath numerous times. I think blue pops so nicely in gardens, and have been wanting to get a blue birdbath. However, I may try the blue insulators instead. I have some in the garage. It's been so dry here that the birds are quite thrilled to have a reliable source of water.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Myra
I wouldn't mind doing this for our eastern bluebirds which are making a more noticable comeback in our southern NH area
Your insulator idea is fantastic. Never thought of putting them in the bird bath. Such a great idea.
Well...I was going to try and sell the turquoise insulators that I have been gathering at my little booth. But, now they are going in my birdbath by my garden shed. Oh well...Thanks for the great idea!
I always find some sort of awesome idea with you! Thanks for keeping us inspired to think outside the box!!
where can you get some of those insulators, I would love to put them in my bird bath. can anyone tell me where to get some of those please.
Sylvia,
Insulators can be found at most junk, 2nd hand or antique stores. Maybe you can buy them on Ebay or Etsy, too.
Just one insulator would be good in a deep birdbath for a bird roost.