Backyard Solar Water Fountain Tutorial

solar water fountain attracts a dove

Last year I created a backyard solar water fountain to attract colorful birds as painting subjects. It took a month or longer for them to discover it but now all types of species splash and drink from the little fountain. This is a short tutorial on how to make your own backyard solar water fountain with just a few simple materials.

Northern Cardinal Visits the Fountain

Northern cardinal watercolor painting by Karen Elaine

A Northern Cardinal has been coming daily to drink from the solar fountain for the past couple of months. I hear its beautiful and persistent song almost every day coming from the Photinia bushes at the edge of the property. I am priviledged to observe such amazing creatures at close proximity.

Birds as Painting Subjects

Birds are never still and difficult subjects to paint unless it’s from a photograph. I always have my camera ready to capture images to paint later. The solar water fountain has been perfect for attracting so many varieties of painting subject!

How to Make a Backyard Solar Fountain

Dig a post hole into the ground and insert a 4 x 4 post into wet cement. Use a level to make sure it is standing perfectly upright. My post is a little over five feet tall. Let the cement cure for a couple of days.

Build a platform on the top of the post out of two pieces of 24″ 2 x 4 planks. Secure the two planks at both ends with small pieces of 1 x 4 planks.

Find the Right Vessel

Use a large terra cotta saucer for the fountain vessel. It is shallow enough for birds to enjoy the water. I bought mine from the local home improvement store and painted the inside with light blue acrylic paint. Painting helps to seal in the water and to keep the water cool in the summer months.

Fill With Cool Water

The terra cotta saucer is heavy enough to sit on the platform and will not budge in high winds. When you are ready to attract birds, fill the saucer with cool water. Add a solar fountain to keep the water circulating and fresh. I found mine on Amazon.

Change the water frequently and add a bird feeder or two to each side of the platform. Now, prepare for the birds to bathe and drink from your fountain. It’s fun to watch them!

Capture Birds in a Painting or Sketchbook

Observing birds provide us with much joy and hope for the future and the promise of warmer days. I plan to capture many birds coming to drink or bathe in my water fountain in a painting or sketchbook.
Thank you for taking the time to read my tutorial. I hope it inspires you to create your own back yard solar water fountain. If you would like to receive my newsletter on an occasional basis or if you have questions or comments on this tutorial please contact me.

If you would like to learn watercolor and don’t know where to start click here for information on my watercolor courses at the Sedona Arts Center.

One thought on “Backyard Solar Water Fountain Tutorial

  1. You are very lucky. We have hummingbird feeders and regular feeders for the finches, etc. We also enjoy them daily.

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