Not OP, but I do love these. The moving water at the fountain itself is much less likely to freeze, even with that cold temperature. As the water drips down the sides and reaches the bottom, the movement is much slower and the ice has a chance to build up. The ice removes the total amount of water available to the system. So it's important to keep an eye on the actual remaining water level in the entire system. 13° is a deep winter low for us locally. That will exist for maybe two weeks worth out of the entire winter. 8A in Norfolk, Virginia. Here you can keep these running all winter. Not sure about OP's location.
This was in January with similar temps. Before the pond de-icer was delivered, I toted a gazillion buckets of water from the kitchen to keep it running.
I got my certifications last year--wildlife habitat, bird sanctuary, Monarch Waystation. It took many years of learning and doing (and $$$$). My own little suburban paradise. 😊
It's a real fountain. I call it an urn fountain; some people call it a vase fountain. It has a 30 gallon underground reservoir and pump. It gets constant bird activity. I also have a small wildlife pond for all the other critters. Birds prefer moving water.
ETA: the black cord is for the pond de-icer. It usually doesn't get cold enough here for the fountain to freeze. I only have to use it occasionally.
Good luck! The urn style is very low maintenance. I cut mesh screen to fit on top of the reservoir--under the rocks. I haven't had to pull the pump to clean out debris in over a year. The flow is adjustable. I add water a couple times a week and a little aquarium safe algaecide.
It's self-contained. The fountain sits atop a 30 gallon underground reservoir that houses the pump. There are decorative stones around the base to hide the lid of the reservoir. Filling happens at the base with the garden hose.
Yo that fountain is tripping me out - is it all frozen solid or flowing but frozen on the sides
Not OP, but I do love these. The moving water at the fountain itself is much less likely to freeze, even with that cold temperature. As the water drips down the sides and reaches the bottom, the movement is much slower and the ice has a chance to build up. The ice removes the total amount of water available to the system. So it's important to keep an eye on the actual remaining water level in the entire system. 13° is a deep winter low for us locally. That will exist for maybe two weeks worth out of the entire winter. 8A in Norfolk, Virginia. Here you can keep these running all winter. Not sure about OP's location.
This was in January with similar temps. Before the pond de-icer was delivered, I toted a gazillion buckets of water from the kitchen to keep it running.
https://preview.redd.it/n3u2bmgf5h7g1.jpeg?width=1078&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d5fda443f8c308f9fb5fbf772eeb179a0ad2f01
That does look awesome!
It was amazing--all the tiny birds (chickadees, Carolina wrens, etc) would cling to the ice stalagtites to drink.
https://preview.redd.it/xdavltgn8h7g1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de3419c14a88bfac810a3b1b299a9d74c1348914
That is wild! I'm always concerned about their wet feet. But I guess everything needs water at some point.
You are providing a great service to them, I wanna try something similar once I start my garden next year.
I got my certifications last year--wildlife habitat, bird sanctuary, Monarch Waystation. It took many years of learning and doing (and $$$$). My own little suburban paradise. 😊
I monitor the forecast and throw a pond de-icer on the fountain when it's going to get super cold.
"I didn't hear no bell"
lol, Guess those black-eyed Susans are tough cookies! They’re not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Like some Fleabanes, these guys don’t give a fuck about end of season cold haha
I love them-they are such troopers!
Birds will have plenty of native seeds this winter. I look forward to their help distributing them.
They are the best helpers! I just love this image!
Maybe a dumb question, but is that just a big vase with a pump in it, or is it an actual fountain?
It's a real fountain. I call it an urn fountain; some people call it a vase fountain. It has a 30 gallon underground reservoir and pump. It gets constant bird activity. I also have a small wildlife pond for all the other critters. Birds prefer moving water.
ETA: the black cord is for the pond de-icer. It usually doesn't get cold enough here for the fountain to freeze. I only have to use it occasionally.
Cool! I've been looking into fountains and have an idea of what to Google. Appreciate it!
Good luck! The urn style is very low maintenance. I cut mesh screen to fit on top of the reservoir--under the rocks. I haven't had to pull the pump to clean out debris in over a year. The flow is adjustable. I add water a couple times a week and a little aquarium safe algaecide.
Where’d you get this fountain? I love the look of it! I tried searching but didn’t find this exact style.
It came with the house. If I were to buy one, I'd go to Atlanta Water Gardens (I'm in Atlanta suburbs). Not sure where you're located.
Is it self contained or do you need to run a pipe to it ?
It's self-contained. The fountain sits atop a 30 gallon underground reservoir that houses the pump. There are decorative stones around the base to hide the lid of the reservoir. Filling happens at the base with the garden hose.
Btw, I’m filing a pic of your fountain away. This is what I want next summer.
Love it!
Awww. Glad to have inspired you. Happy gardening!
My asters are too! I’m so impressed!