2024 April 20 The Pond Brings All the Birds to Yard

 It’s that time of year again! I can’t believe I went years without realizing we live in a hub of the warbler migration! Digging a pond was THE BEST IDEA EVER because it brings in so much wildlife. From my kitchen window, I can get a good look at every type of bird that comes through. The sound of running water is a warbler magnet. Today’s fun sighting was a pair of Kinglets, still working on my ID skillz.

The pond was not planned. Carli and I had talked about adding a pond for a long time, but we figured it was too big a job. Then one day we happened to be in the pond isle, and randomly met an off-duty “Smartpond Ambassador” she said how it would be easy, just buy the liner and the pump. Apparently that was all the encouragement we needed. 

Pond day 1. 2021.

We brought everything home and that afternoon we just dug a hole in the area that was once an extra driveway space. Our little neighbor, who was six at the time, helped pull out the bigger rocks at the bottom. By the end of the day we had a functional pond. The pond is probably not even 3 feet deep and maybe just over 4 feet wide. We did not measure. I don’t always remember to plan things out by measuring. We just let it fill up the space. 

2021. Our little neighbor helping with the pond construction.

Since then, we added larger rocks from every time we go to Lake Erie. We have added goldfish, frogs, and  water plants. This year, we adopted a neighbor’s goldfish that outgrew his tank, so we have a big boy in there too. We usually throw in a water hyacinth or two, but man, those things multiply quickly. Last year we added a waterfall with a hose that attaches to the pump. I’m not convinced it looks just right yet, but we like the falling water over the rocks for sure. 

2023. Kelly came out for a photo shoot. She’s on top of the waterfall. 

The pond is a fun feature to play around with. It expands the types of flora and fauna that visit the yard. This random little arborvitae that was just barely some twigs at the time has really taken off. It loves branching out toward the water and little chipmunks like to sneak under it for a drink. It ended up being a great welcoming spot right inside the garden gate. The water sounds are a bit of a sound barrier between our house and the neighbors too. A++

I’m highly encouraging of anyone who wants to put in a pond. It was so much easier than anticipated. Like a lot of projects, I tend to talk myself out of stuff because it seems too complicated. I’m trying to get over that annoying doubt every time I want to do something interesting. If I can get over my doubt, my next project, a catio, might be on the horizon…

2023 The pond is still lovely as ever.