Instructions
Fill a ceramic or glass pie plate with 1 - 2 inches of water and place it on a tree stump or pedestal. It may take awhile for the birds to know there is a cool bath in your yard, but once they have discovered it, they will be repeat customers.
Turn a used aluminum garbage can upside down. The lid will hold the water for the bird bath. Cut an opening in the center of the bottom (which is now the top) of the can which will allow the lid's handle to fit securely. Again - no more than 2 inches of water in the bird bath; more than that, birds won't use it. You can really "cute" it up by painting the can with birds wearing bikinis or holding umbrellas.
Look at garage sales for doll sized plastic swimming pools; these make cute, cheap bird baths. You may even find one with a slide and diving board:)
How to Create a Bird Bath For Little or No Cost
Not only people and pets look to water for relief from hot summer days; birds do too. Help out your feathered friends by placing a bird bath in your yard. You don't have to spend a fortune; anything around your home that will hold an inch or two of water will do just fine.