The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Title: The Early Bird Gets the Worm
Description: Learn all about the American Robin and begin attracting them to your yard by building your very own bird bath.
Season: The end of winter or beginning of spring
Length of Activity: 1 hour minutes
Age: Any age
Button: Start the Activity

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Do you prefer to wake up early or stay up late?

Have you ever heard the phrase “The early bird gets the worm.” ?

What do you think that phrase might mean? Where do you think it might come from?

That’s right, it’s inspired by the great American Robin!

If you’re not quite sure which of our many two-winged friends is the Robin, all you have to do is sit quietly and observe your front lawn.

They are usually the first birds to rise, and you’re likely to find them scurrying across lawns, stalking earthworms and grazing on fruit trees. They are not, in the least, interested in bird seed. But they do look for water.

Which is why, today’s activity will be about building your very own bird bath, so you can attract Robins and other bird species to bathe and drink in your creation.

Supplies and Tools needed:
10″ clay pot
12″ clay pot
14″ clay pot
17″ diameter clay saucer
Liquid Nails, silicone adhesive or heavy-duty outdoor glue
Your choice of paints (acrylic, spray paint etc)
Clear satin polyurethane or acrylic sealer

Getting started

Step 1: Turn the pots upside down and stack them together, starting with the biggest to the smallest to create a stable base.

Step 2: Glue the pots together using the Liquid Nails or your choice of adhesive.

Step 3. Attach the saucer to the top pot, making sure it is centered and level.

Step 4: Decorate your birdbath anyway you’d like it! You can use your fingers, a paintbrush, leaves as stamps. Get creative and make it yours!

Step 5: Apply a clear spray sealer to the outside of the painted pots but DO NOT apply it to the basin of the birdbath.

Here is a picture of an example:

Photo credit: https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/potted-surprise

Taking it Deeper
Make a bird notebook and jot down your daily observations.
How many different varieties of birds come to drink and bathe in your bath?
What color are they?
Are they all different sizes?
Do they get along?
Are they good at sharing?