Nice looking birdbath Green-go. Min3, the deer scare or shishi odoshi is better explained by viewing it. There are directions online and fountains and kits available. Home D. was selling one some years ago made of resin (to look like bamboo). There are a lot of permutations, and some folks don't even include a rock or block of wood for the end of the pivoting bamboo fill rod to bang against (thus, the "scare"). The fountain w the bang and motion, takes advantage of the abundant bamboo, and the nodes with "walls" along the bamboo shaft, because the fill bamboo piece is arranged on a pivot and is filled by a separate spout (above). When the water level weighs down the pivoting bamboo "hammer," it spills the collected water into the basin or pool, then, when suddenly emptied and weighing less at the spill end, tilts back and the distal/far end of the bamboo pivot tube slams against a rock, making a loud clack that is supposed to scare the deer. So the fountain/deer scare periodically fills and empties. There are directions and videos online. Many people just make a fountain with bamboo, or without even the pivot. Some people want to eliminate the TWACK sound of the far end of the bamboo pivoting fill tube clacking as it suddenly pivots back after emptying and thus weighing less at the forward end (the far end is then relatively lighter). Most use a pump so that water is recirculated. I found mine very relaxing to listen to. It only made a soft slap when emptied. If you live in LA / Hollywood area, bamboo is pretty available, being used for set designs and whatever. If you find bamboo and want to make your own, its best to get bamboo that isn't split (often it's cracked along the long axis). Even if cracked, a material called MarineTex can be used to fill the crack. I don't think I'd count on one keeping deer or any critters away, however. Listen to the variations on the YouTube or Vimeo videos. Cool. I have a bunch of bamboo, but not a lot of free time. Here are some links: Deer Scare Fountain or Shishi Odoshi Very short vid clip; green https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYhn5YiKY5A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPqP4qyrSiQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPqP4qyrSiQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1qMrKCuYQY Red one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPvumv93eog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AigVsMveSOM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPvumv93eog

Goldenpond, I think you may be right. Those look very much like fingerling bass. If so, that's great. You do know tilapia will end up taking over? They are destroying bass and bluegill, etc, in our streams. They are fine in an enclosed system like you have, but I fear you will soon have only tilapia living there. And your dreaded walking catfish, of course. Ugh is right on those! On the plus side, tilapia ARE pretty, and very tasty, if you can keep from making pets of them. ;o) But bass! I'd love to have a pond with bass in it! Lellie, I absolutely LOVE your flying fish! So cute! Ill, it doesn't matter so much what type of birdbath you have, as long as it will hold about 2" of water. A garbage can lid on the ground will even work. But it needs to be placed in an area where birds feel safe. Not too close and not too far from cover. Too close, and they can be ambushed and won't use it. Too far, and they feel too exposed. It is a trial and error thing. There are many really pretty ones out there in all price ranges. Target carries some very nice inexpensive ones. Or you can stack up a couple of terra cotta pots and top with a terra cotta saucer. Goldenpond, it isn't often that a bird actually drowns in a birdbath. BUT...they are afraid of deep water and won't use one that is filled too high. You can still use your antique ones, but do one of two things. Only fill them partway up, or fill the bottom with some flatish rocks before adding water, so that the birds only have about 2" to deal with. That is usually all they require. But whatever you do, however you do it, everybody get busy and put out some birdbaths! You never know what you will see using them, and during very dry weather, they are really critical to our feathered friends. Marcia

I have moved it further, but am considering taking it away all together. We've seen the male bluebird coming all the way to our feeders very close to our house (not using them) just checking things out. He seems to be getting used to us and I think he must be scooping out the area more and more the closer it gets to the babes learning to fly. I'm just guessing of course. This is only the second year and our second family of bluebirds. We have great pictures and it seems that only four of the babies have survived. They sure do grow quickly.

YES! Oh, yes! Absolutely beautiful! Now THAT is a Christmas Vignette! I LOVE the silver deer and silver balls and the gorgeous silver tree (where was that? I didn't even see it in the group of things before?) Set off by the greenery which is so perfect on that beautiful mahogany buffet. A little touch of red for warmth. I love it... What do you think of a little bitty sprig of greens with a red berry on that lamp somewhere. Either tied on the base or pinned on the shade. It might be too much taking the room as a whole) Oh, and I think another pine cone or two couldn't hurt. Just daydreamin', it's perfect just the way it is. Well, you did it! The last thing you have to worry about when your guests come, is how the entryway looks. It's not only better, it's stunning! Just have to say~ that last picture is SO beautiful, it looks like a Christmas card. Oh btw I like the way the swag on the railing ties in with the greenery.