Working on my deck bird bath since it is only about 135 degrees out here today. It has been entertaining me for years. Basically, I built a box, put a 50 gallon tub inside, stuck in a bird bath and circulated water so it appeared to fall into the ground. This idea was the "cat's ass" ten years ago among garden people. I just improved on the over flowing jar routine as that is not critter friendly.
I found a shallow bird bath I liked (birds can't use the deep ones) and drilled out the center to accept a water line. I covered near the top of the box (5footX5foot) with wire and dumped in a layer of Volcanic stone as it is light weight. The fountain over flowed onto the stones and "disappeared" into the 50 gallon tub below. Rain water from the roof keeps it filled, and it has been very seldom I have needed to add water over the last several years. A good water pump is cheap on line, and will run 24/7 for years and use little electricity.
Later on I replaced the volcano stones with rubber mulch. It has worked well and been entertaining drawing in birds and tree frogs.
This week I am cleaning it up. I will replace some boards, re stain and etc. I cleaned it all out, and now have the bird bath just over flowing into the tub. I kinda like that for a change after ten years of disappearing water. I can add some plants and maybe a smaller pump to slow down the water as it is kinda noisy. I see I can get a 250gph Mag pump with shipping and tax for $57 that uses just 21 watts. I prefer Mag Drive pumps as I have gotten good service from them over the years. I think the one in there now is 500gph which is too much when the water is not falling on the ground/rubber mulch.
This fountain is against a big window (4X6?) and is actually a big part of my living room.
Updates coming if anyone is interested in where this ends up.
I see things like this as a good DIY project for anyone. Buying something similar is expensive, but with a little time one can do much better for 25% of the cost. You get a lot more for a lot less and it is custom to you. You can call it "your" yard art.