DIY Network

Backyard Birdbath Two natural stone fountains are built in a backyard habitat to attract more fowl. From "Grounds for Improvement" episode DGFI-402

Cliff and Gracie Neuman's yard is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a backyard habitat, but they are having trouble attracting birds and feel that the area needs something new and different. Jackie Taylor and Dean Hill's plan is to add some natural stone fountains and a log birdfeeder, all while not interfering with the natural landscape the Neumans want to preserve.

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	This bare patch of ground will provide a welcoming retreat for birds after the addition of two water fountains and a variety of plantings.
	Fountain #1
	Fountain #2

Tools:

shovels
wheelbarrows
pickax
landscaping bar
level
marking paint
reciprocating saw with metal cutting blade
measuring tape
hammer drill with masonry bit
fire log
paddle bit for drill
tea candle containers
string line
compact utility loader with arguer attachment
post hole digger
pencils
drill
torpedo level
sod cutter

Materials:

2 100-gallon stock tanks
sepulveda stone: beach pebbles (2 bags), river rocks (2 bags), sandstone
galvanized-steel panels (feedlot panels or hog fencing)
350-gallon-per-hour submersible water pump

Plants:

2 coast live oaks (15 gallon each)
1 California sycamore (15 gallon)
1 sycamore tree

Fountain Tank Installation

Before installing the 100-gallon tank beneath the ground, make sure it's in a spot that the birds can access easily.

1. After deciding where the tank is going to go, set it down and use spray paint to outline it to ensure you dig the correct size hole (figure A).

2. Use a shovel to dig up the ground where the tank will be placed (if the ground is extra rocky, it may be easier to use a pickax or landscaping bar) (figure B).

3. After the hole for the tank is complete, lay the tank inside the hole to make sure it fits (figure C). Also, make sure it's on even soil by using a level to check that it's not leaning to one side.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

4. Backfill around the edge of the tank until it's even with the ground at the top.

5. Repeat the process to install the second fountain.

Finishing the Fountains

1. Galvanized steel panels are the grading that will sit on top of the 100 gallon tanks in order for the heavy rocks to lie above them.

2. Measure across 3' (the length is 5'), then use a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade to cut the panel at the desired length.

3. Cut another piece the same length so that the gaps in the fencing are not as wide and the stones will not fall through into the tank.

4. Finally, cut two more pieces to go over the second tank as cut with the reciprocating saw above.

5. Drill holes in the center of 2 pieces of sandstone (all the way through the rock) with a hammer drill and masonry drill bit.

6. Install the panels by laying them over the tanks already in the ground, being sure to lay the pieces of fencing on top of another to make the holes in the fencing smaller.

7. Use 2 metal straps to put over the center width of the fencing and set the base sandstone (with a hole) on both metal straps to disperse the weight of the stones evenly.

8. Feed the vinyl tubing for the water through the hole in the predrilled pieces of sandstone, then through the fencing into the tank.

9. Lay the other piece of sandstone with the hole on top of the base stone and pull the vinyl tubing through the top piece, making sure not to crimp the tubing between the two rocks.

10. Cut a hole in the fencing so that the water pump in the tank can be easily accessed for future adjustments.

11. Connect the 350-gallon-per-hour submersible pump to the vinyl tubing and lay it on the bottom of the tank while it pumps water through the tubing.

12. Add beach pebbles over the grading to conceal the tank and fencing.

13. Use a hose to fill the tank with water, and cut the excess tubing off the top of the sandstone.

14. Add stones over the rest of the fencing and cover the pump's power cord under the smaller pebbles around the fountain.

To build fountain #2, repeat steps 1-14.

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