Tree Stump Birdbath

[Coyote_Bandit]

I'm having a gnarly twisted old redbud that is dying removed from my backyard. I'd like to keep the stump and make a birdbath out of it. I'd like to carve the bowl and seal the wood rather than simply use the stump as a pedestal on which to place a tray to hold the water. Any suggestions on how to best shape, seal and preserve the bowl shape in the stump?

Thanks!

[NMDemDist2]

1. hammer and chisel and food grade polyurethane

and take pics, sounds like a great idea

[Pathwalker]

2. Or use Spar Varnish -marine grade varnish,

since it's outside.

[NMDemDist2]

3. will that be toxic to liddle birdies?? n/t