Love the idea. I put a big shallow plant saucer under my air conditioner drip. I also replenish the water when I water plants if needed. This provides water for the backyard wildlife. And, hopefully provides the possums with water so they'll quit chewing through my drip system.

For our pedestal birdbath, during spring to fall, we use a Water Wiggler that keeps the water moving to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and during winter, we use a heater in the birdbath. The Water Wiggler can be used with a heater too and sometimes we've done that.

I also keep several shallow plastic and concrete containers placed around filled with water. I have an old bird bath that after years developed cracks and would no longer hold water, so I just sat a shallow plastic container in the bird bath and fill that with water.
However, the birds in my yard much prefer my large fountain in the back to bath in. I often let the fountain run and it may be the sound of the running water attracts the birds.

Did something similar a few years ago for a different reason. I installed an above ground pool and it seems the silly tree rats (Squirrels) were falling in and drowning. So, a few strategically placed, saucers and the squirrels have since learned to drink from something shallower. As a benefit the birds have loved the bathing and all seem to quench there thirst there as well. Fresh water is replaced or added every couple days and almost daily during the summer months. My DW and I have enjoyed hours of watching the activities around these added water sources... or should I say saucers.

The important thing is that the saucer not be too deep or if it is a few inches deep, place a large flat rock in the middle for
smaller birds to stand on while they bathe and drink.

Great idea, Rita!

My DH cuts the tops off of tall propane tanks to make burn barrels. We invert the tops that are cut off to use as planters and water features. We added a small water pump with a bell fountain head and surrounded it with rocks to one of the tops to make a "bird shower". The birds love it and we have a ball watching them.

Sundownr said:My DH cuts the tops off of tall propane tanks to make burn barrels. We invert the tops that are cut off to use as planters and water features. We added a small water pump with a bell fountain head and surrounded it with rocks to one of the tops to make a "bird shower". The birds love it and we have a ball watching them.

Very innovative!! Nice.

How clever! That should work as well with a larger plant saucer. Ideas, ideas!