Thanks for posting! It seems pretty easy to make. I personally wouldn't do the fruit, though -- would attract too many other insects and might get pretty gross pretty quickly (especially when the flies find it...) I wonder if the butterflies land on manure piles out in the field and make use of those -- having horses, I may not even need to bother with the puddle.

Around here there is plenty of sodium available from road salt, and as MK3 mentioned, manure often provides it as well. In areas of warmer winters or that are less rural, it might be more of an issue. I deliberately don’t set up any kind of feeding stations because I don’t want to encourage deer or bears to visit near the house, though they are welcome in the woods and fields.

If we relax the traditional concept of a manicured lawn, and allow for some bare earth/mud in our yards, there will be adequate “puddling” options available. An occasional spray with a hose in dry periods will provide the moisture needed.

Thanks for the video!

I had a set-up for them at my last house, but not this one yet. I plan to this summer. I’m in a very hot, dry climate and love seeing them come up for a refreshments. :)

I’ve had these two photos saved for inspo. I like the wreath one — just a glass pie plate nestled into a grapevine wreath. I’d add sand to it.

^^ that hanging water feeder is pretty! I wonder if the birds get into it, though.

mxk3, here’s her post about it ... she said a goldfinch came up right away. I think big birds might try, but not like it being wobbly and leave it. I keep various bird baths geared towards the sizes of the birds. My Blue Jays and Doves prefer my heavy concrete ones. Smaller cuties like my more shallow ones. My Mockingbirds do whatever they want, whenever they want, and we just try to stay out of their way. 😄

https://empressofdirt.net/bird-butterfly-water-feeder/

Yes mxk3 and NHBabs you're right. I've read they will get it from manure (although I personally have never seen them do this), as well as blood, sweat and tears (not even joking about this) from other animals. I didn't want to gross anyone out so I didn't mention it. The nice thing about this puddling station is you can place it in your yard, so you're able to observe the butterflies while they feed. I suppose if you had horse manure in your backyard you could also observe them but I'm going to assume most people don't.

^^ I have a horse, so have manure. Can't say as though I've ever noticed butterflies hanging out on the piles, but then again I'm not way out in the pasture every day to notice. The veggie garden is right next to the pasture and I have seen lots of monarchs and other butterflies flitting around in there, so if they need the (literal) cr@p they can find it. Would be kind of fun to make-shift something close to the house, though -- although having lots of milkweed in the beds pulls them in, too!

That’s beautiful!

Thank you Jinx. Gracious of you to say.

mkx3 growing up I had a horse too.... never notice the butterflies going to the horse dung.... however, they use to visit cow dung all the time....

I went to Butterfly World in Pompano Florida along time ago. They recommend that people put out a saltlick.... or minerals... I don't remember too much about how to do it. I just remember that the butterflies were all over it.... so thank you for posting this and reminding me about it.... I do have a question for those who do it. How do you keep the salt from getting on your plants so the salt doesn't kill everything.

Thanks

Sharon

We stopped by our favorite Talavera place yesterday (it’s all outside, we weren’t near any people) and found this birdbath ... it’ll be perfect for a butterfly water feeder. I haven’t decided where to put it yet. We have outdoor cats (neighbors’ cats, we love them visiting) who jump up on the other bird baths, so we’ll have to epoxy this to be one piece.

I think it’s a very good depth, and maybe the bright colors will attract butterflies.

In reality, it’ll probably end up being where wasps and yellowjackets get some refreshment. 😆