Should You Put Copper Pennies in Your Birdbath

With Grandparents' Day approaching, it is a special day for you to show your love, appreciation and give Grandparents Day gifts to your grandma and grandpa. But before you do that you first need to know when to celebrate Grandparents' Day. So, when is Grandparents' Day in 2025? And when did Grandparents' Day come into being? This blog can help you find the answer. When is Grandparents Day 2025? Grandparents Day in 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Is Grandparents Day the same date every year? No, it is not on the same calendar date every year, but it is observed on the same day. In the United States, National Grandparents Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which places it in early September each year. For example: 2024: Sunday, September 8 2025: Sunday, September 7 2026: Sunday, September 13 2027: Sunday, September 12 When did Grandparents Day start? The concept was championed by Marian McQuade, a housewife from West Virginia, who wanted to encourage families to visit their elderly relatives in nursing homes. After years of advocacy, President Jimmy Carter officially signed the proclamation on August 3, 1978, declaring the first National Grandparents Day to be celebrated in 1979. Is there an official Grandparents Day? Yes, in the United States, National Grandparents Day is an official secular holiday established by federal proclamation. What is the official flower of Grandparents Day? The official flower is the forget-me-not, symbolizing enduring love and remembrance. Many families also choose to celebrate with seasonal flowers or personal favorites of their grandparents, like sunflowers, roses, and lilies. Do schools still do Grandparents Day? Yes, many schools, particularly elementary and middle schools, actively celebrate Grandparents Day. They often host special events where grandparents are invited to visit the classroom, participate in activities, watch performances, and share stories with their grandchildren and their classmates. What is the theme for Grandparents Day 2025? As of now, an official theme for 2025 has not been announced. The holiday's overarching purpose, as stated in the original proclamation, is always to honor grandparents and give them an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer. Themes used by schools or communities are often local creations. Grandparents Day Gift Ideas: Celebrating a Timeless Bond Grandparents Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a heartfelt opportunity to pause and honor the pillars of our families. These incredible individuals offer a unique blend of unconditional love, cherished wisdom, and often, the best cookies you’ll ever taste. Finding the perfect gift to express our gratitude can sometimes be a challenge. The best gifts are never the most expensive ones; they are the ones that come from the heart, encapsulating love, memory, and connection. This section explores a variety of thoughtful Grandparents Day gift ideas, categorized to help you find the perfect token of appreciation for the extraordinary grandparents in your life. A Gift That Brings Nature to Their Backyard If your grandparents love birds or simply enjoy peaceful moments in the garden, the Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro makes an unforgettable gift. This smart bird feeder not only attracts beautiful feathered visitors but also comes with an AI-powered camera that identifies bird species in real time. Your grandparents can watch live footage on their phone or tablet, capture photos and videos, and even share them with the whole family. It’s more than just a bird feeder—it’s an experience. Every time a new bird visits, it sparks curiosity, joy, and conversation. For grandparents who may spend more time at home, the Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro provides daily moments of wonder and connection to the natural world right outside their window. See what Techradar has to say about this product! The Priceless Gift of Time and Experience For many grandparents, material possessions are less important than shared experiences and quality time. Their greatest joy often comes from simply being with their family. Plan a Themed Day Trip: Instead of a generic visit, plan an outing based on their interests. Are they history buffs? A day at a local museum or historical site followed by lunch at a classic diner can be magical. Love nature? A leisurely stroll through a botanical garden or a scenic drive with a picnic basket packed with their favorite treats is perfect. Create a "Coupon" Book: This is a classic for a reason. Handmade coupons can be redeemed for specific acts of service and time together. Ideas include: "One Home-Cooked Meal of Your Choice," "A Week of Tech Support," "An Afternoon of Gardening Help," "A Movie Night of Your Pick," or "A Long Walk and Conversation." Interview Them and Record Their Stories: Your grandparents are living libraries of personal and historical history. Set aside an afternoon to formally interview them. Prepare questions about their childhood, how they met, their first job, and cherished family memories. Record the audio or video. This gift not only shows you value their life stories but also creates a priceless family heirloom for generations to come. Cook a Family Recipe Together: Spend an afternoon in the kitchen learning to make a beloved family recipe that has been passed down. The process of cooking together is a bonding experience, and it ensures that those culinary traditions continue. Handmade and Heartfelt Gifts Gifts crafted by hand carry an emotional weight that store-bought items simply cannot match. They scream, "I spent my time and effort thinking only of you." From Grandchildren: The classic handprint painting, a decorated picture frame, or a homemade card are timeless and will be treasured forever. For older grandchildren, a handwritten letter expressing specific reasons why they are loved and appreciated is incredibly powerful. Customized Family Tree: Create a beautiful visual representation of your family. This can be done artistically on canvas, engraved on wood, or even designed as a sophisticated digital print to be framed. A Memory Blanket or Quilt: Gather old T-shirts, baby clothes, or meaningful fabrics from throughout the family's history and have them crafted into a cozy, unique quilt. Every square will tell a story. A Personalized Playlist or Photo Slideshow: Curate a playlist of songs from their youth, their wedding day, or that remind you of them. Pair it with a digital photo slideshow set to the music, featuring scanned old photos and new memories. Watching it together will be a profoundly moving experience. Practical and Personalized Gifts These gifts are both thoughtful and useful, seamlessly integrating into their daily lives and reminding them of you constantly. Subscription Services: A subscription can be the gift that keeps on giving. Consider a subscription to a favorite magazine, a monthly delivery of gourmet coffee or tea, a meal kit service for easy cooking, or a streaming service pre-loaded with profiles for their favorite shows. Technology for Connection: Help bridge the physical distance. A simple-to-use tablet like a GrandPad, a digital photo frame that you can update remotely with new pictures, or a smart display for video calls (like Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub) can make them feel connected and involved in your daily life. Comfort and Coziness: High-quality items that offer comfort are always welcome. Think a ultra-soft throw blanket, a luxurious set of slippers, a heated massaging pillow, or a premium tea and coffee set. Personalized Home Goods: Engraving or custom printing adds a special touch. Consider a cutting board with the family name, cozy mugs with pictures of the grandchildren, a doormat with their last name, or custom-labeled wine with a "Grandma & Grandpa's Vineyard" motif. The Gift of Health and Wellness Showing you care about their well-being is a deeply loving gesture. A Massage or Spa Gift Certificate: Book a relaxing massage, a manicure/pedicure, or another spa treatment for them to enjoy. It’s a wonderful way to help them relax and feel pampered. Fitness Support: If they are active, a membership to a local pool or community center, sessions with a trainer who specializes in senior fitness, or even a simple set of resistance bands can be supportive. Meal Preparation: Prepare and freeze a week's worth of healthy, homemade meals for them. This takes a daily chore off their plate and ensures they are eating well. Organization Help: Offer to help them organize a closet, the garage, or their photo albums. This practical help is often greatly appreciated but rarely asked for. Conclusion: The Essence of the Perfect Gift Grandparents Day in 2025 is Sunday, September 7. This special day is a time to honor the grandparents in our lives who provide wisdom, love, and a strong sense of family tradition. The key to celebrating Grandparents Day is to choose a gift or gesture that reflects gratitude and strengthens family bonds. Thoughtful options include the Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro for a daily connection with nature, handmade keepsakes that preserve family memories, food and cooking experiences that celebrate tradition, and flowers that brighten their home and hearts.

While in Montana, a friend reached out asking if I'd be anywhere near California in August and if so, would I be interested in joining her on two pelagic trips on the Pacific Ocean. A pelagic bird trip is one that takes place on a boat many miles off the coast targeting seabirds. It didn't take long for me to respond: “send me the dates and I'll figure it out”. I knew at that time I'd be on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state and could easily grab a flight from SeaTac Airport to San Jose, California. I booked my tickets and started studying. Northern Gannets were the only species of seabirds I have experienced and I couldn't wait. As we arrived at the Fisherman's Wharf in Monetary California, the boisterous sounds of sea lions filled the air. Western Gulls were patrolling for dropped snacks, and Sea Otters were floating on their backs in the harbor. It was already a great day and I hadn't yet stepped foot on the boat. We gathered around the meeting area to hear the captain cover topics from what we may see to what we should do if we become seasick. It was time to board. As the boat slowly left the harbor, I had no idea of the new world of birds and marine mammals I was entering. My first life bird of the trip were flocks of Sooty Shearwaters. Over the two days I would encounter thousands of them. Occasionally I would look to the horizon and see what looked like rainbows. Those were all whale spouts from the monstrous creatures' blowholes coming to the surface to breathe. At one point, we came to a feeding frenzy of Shearwaters, whales, and seals. The boat was taken out of gear and several Humpback Whales surrounded the boat with one even being directly below. I had always wondered what it would be like to experience such a massive creature up close. Would I be scared? But it was the opposite. These massive mammals appeared to be curious. They turned on their sides to get a better look at the boat and a feeling of calm came over me. Like we were meant to meet out there. Occasionally one would dive, and its massive fluke would be the last thing seen before disappearing into the depths. They were gentle giants. One of the birds I most wanted to encounter on the trip was an albatross and that wish would soon come true when one of the spotters called out a Black-footed Albatross. Throughout the two days we would have many of them, some even landing near the boat and offering wonderful photography opportunities. In contrast, some species would only appear for a moment and then they were gone such as the Flesh-footed Shearwater and the Ashy Storm-Petrel. After seeing 22 life birds over the two days, there was one surprise left on the trip back on day two. A spotter yelled “Laysan Albatross on the horizon!” Wisdom, who is the oldest known wild bird, is a Laysan Albatross and never did I think one would be on this trip. I quickly looked back at the spotter to see where they were looking. I then turned in that direction and put my binoculars to my eyes. I think…maybe, maybe that's it? A giant white bird with a dark back so far out I couldn't make out much more than it was big. I watched as it appeared to either land or go out of sight due to the curvature of the Earth. It was that far away. A spotter saw I was leaning against the wheelhouse trying to steady my binoculars. They asked if I was on the bird. I said “I think so”. As the boat continued in the direction of the bird, I was finally confident. “I'm on it”. The captain asked if I was sure. “Yes, it is with two Black-footed Albatross sitting on the water”. “How sure are you? We're running late and it's out of our way” the captain said. “100%” was my answer. I couldn't put my binoculars down as I was the only person still on the bird. I could see two seals between me and the bird and told the captain to line them up. Finally another spotter saw the bird. It took about 20 minutes for the boat to get closer and the albatross just sat on the water and gave us incredible views. As I walked off the boat I was overjoyed that I not only received an invite for this trip, but also that I took my friend up on her kind offer. I've learned over the last few years that some of my most memorable birding moments are spontaneous outings with friends, and this was one of those. I started checking my camera and couldn't believe some of the shots I captured. I hope you enjoy them even a fraction as much as I did taking them. Joyful birding, everyone.

| By Gary S. Locatelli If you’ve ever watched birds on a hot day, you know how much they love a cool place to splash around. Discover fun, budget-friendly DIY bird bath ideas using everyday items. Learn how to make homemade birdbaths and attract more birds to your garden. In this guide, we’ll explore simple and creative homemade bird bath ideas, inspired by popular YouTube tutorials and practical tips. Whether you’re looking for a Dollar Tree DIY bird bath, a rustic upcycled version, or something sturdy like a DIY concrete bird bath, these projects will get you started. Why Make Your Own Bird Bath? It’s budget-friendly—most projects cost next to nothing. It’s eco-friendly—you can upcycle items instead of tossing them. It attracts more birds, giving you endless opportunities to enjoy birdwatching. Paired with a Birdfy Bath Pro or a Birdfy Cam, you can capture beautiful videos of birds splashing around. Birdfy Bath Pro - Solar-Powered Smart Birdbath with Fountain Birdfy Cam - Versatile Standalone Backyard Birdwatching Camera How to Make a Bird Bath? Making a DIY bird bath is simple, fun, and gives you the chance to add your own creative touch to the garden. Up next, we’ll walk you through five different DIY bird bath ideas with step-by-step instructions and the materials you’ll need — let’s get started! 1. Flower Pot Bird Bath (Stacked Planter Style) Inspired by this YouTube tutorial: What you need: 2–3 clay or plastic flower pots (different sizes) A large plant saucer or shallow bowl Optional: paint for decorating Steps: Turn the largest pot upside down as the base. Stack a smaller pot on top, right side up. Place the saucer or bowl on top to hold water. Paint or decorate to match your garden style. This stacked look adds height, making it easier for birds to spot. Plus, it’s sturdy and stylish! 2. Hanging Bird Bath with a Basket Inspired by this DIY idea on YouTube: What you need: A wire hanging basket (often sold for plants) A coconut liner or plastic liner A shallow bowl that fits inside Chain or rope for hanging Steps to make a hanging bird bath: Place the liner inside the basket. Set the bowl securely inside. Hang the basket from a tree branch, porch hook or the Birdfy Feeder Pole. Fill the bowl with fresh water. This creates a floating effect and looks beautiful in a garden or patio space. Hung on the Birdfy Feeder Pole and paired with a Birdfy Cam, you can enjoy videos of birds cooling off. 3. Upcycled Dish & Stand Bird Bath Inspired by this video tutorial: What you need: An old lamp base, plant stand, or even a candlestick holder A large shallow dish, pie pan, or serving bowl Outdoor-safe adhesive (if attaching permanently) Steps to make a upcycled bird bath: Clean and prepare the base stand. Place the dish on top, securing with adhesive if needed. Fill with water and set in a shady part of your garden. This version has a classic look and is perfect if you love homemade bird baths that blend into your yard décor. 4. DIY Concrete Bird Bath (For Durability) If you want a more permanent bird bath, concrete is a great choice. What you need: A large leaf (like rhubarb or hosta) Quick-set concrete A sand pile or mold Cooking spray Steps to make a concrete bird bath: Spray the leaf with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place it face down on a mound of sand. Spread wet concrete over the back of the leaf. Let it dry completely, then peel off the leaf. Set the concrete bath on a stand or directly in the garden. This creates a stunning, nature-inspired piece that lasts for years. 💡Having trouble cleaning? Check out our concrete bird bath cleaning guide! 5. Dollar Tree Bird Bath (Budget-Friendly!) For a quick and fun project, try a Dollar Tree DIY bird bath. What you need: Plastic planter pots or a plant stand A serving bowl or tray Hot glue or adhesive (optional) Steps: Turn a planter pot upside down as the base. Glue another pot or tray on top. Place a bowl on top to hold water. This is one of the cheapest and easiest DIY bird bath ideas, perfect for kids to help with. Bonus Tip: Keep Your Bird Bath Clean & Fun No matter which bird bath DIY ideas you choose, make sure to: Change the water every 2–3 days. Scrub the bath weekly to prevent algae. Place it in a shady spot to keep the water cool. Add a few pebbles or rocks so smaller birds can perch safely. And if you want to see your feathered visitors up close, pair your bath with the Birdfy Bath Pro – Smart Bird Bath with Camera. It automatically records videos of birds splashing around, so you don’t miss a moment. Or, if you already have a birdbath, the Birdfy Cam is a great way to capture their playful behavior in both feeders and baths. Final Thoughts Making a homemade bird bath is an easy, rewarding project that brings life and color to your backyard. From simple stacked pots to durable concrete designs, there’s an idea here for every budget and style. The best part? You get to enjoy hours of birdwatching right from your window. So gather some everyday items, get creative, and start building your own bird bath today. Your local birds will thank you—with songs, splashes, and visits all summer long!