Unfortuneatly it won't work as a bird feeder since it will hold water just long enough to comletely soak the seeds. I considered using it as a planter but then I thought of the mosaic and it just seemed like the perfect idea. Luna, I like the algae growing on the base too although some moss would be even better! Maybe I'll try to get some moss started growing on it. I might not clean up the base but the top will have to be cleaned before I can start on the mosaic. bright199, what do you mean by thinset? I'm fairly new to creating mosaics and so far I've only done them on flower pots. I've just been using the pre-mixed mortar that I buy at Lowes. It's the same stuff I used to install the tiles on me kitchen countertops and back splash. And I plan on using regular unsanded grout to fill in the gaps.

I also have an algae related problem in my water garden which consists of no plants or fish, but simply a lined, below ground 60 gal. reservoir which is entirely covered with a rigid screen supporting a layer of ornamental gravel. This effectively reduces the amount of sunlight on the water below. I have a hollowed out stone bowl in the center that sits on top of the gravel. Water is pumped from the reservoir up through a bamboo 'faucet' and into the bowl where it overflows and trickles down through the gravel back into the reservoir. Both types of algae form in the bowl in just a few days. I have tried one type of liquid algae control but it does not work. I don't see the need in installing a filter as I'm not concerned with fish or plant life- just algae. Does anyone have any ideas?

The bees are thirsty. You can't keep them away. Your only option would be to provide several alternate water supplies for the birds. Even pottery or plastic plant saucers, laying on the ground, are something that birds will come to readily. They can be placed in among your plants, but close to a hose for daily rinsing and filling.

Scully, yep - we are a bit warmer here, but it's the overnight hard freezes that crack birdbath basins. On cold winter days, if I notice an ice skim forming, I'll add warm water too, but if I'm gone for the day the risk of freezeover escalates. The heater works 24/7. We've had a warm fall too, but if the Old Farmers Almanac is right, once it gets here, we're in for it this winter. Btw - Everytime I open this thread I get a mental picture of Woodstock ice skating on the birdbath - brings a smile to my face ....... thanks! Another little aside is that in the heat of summer, I take a pitcher full of ice cubes out to the birdbath - the flapping about definitely increases when I cool it down! :o) Love my birds!