The author discusses the importance of water features for birds, especially smaller songbirds, and their efforts to create a bird-friendly pond. They initially build a simple bird bath with a small pump and river rocks. Later, they decide to construct a larger pond with waterfalls, sharing their learning experiences and challenges. The author records various bird species and wildlife visiting the bird bath. They also mention their plans for further improvement and attracting more species in the future.
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
**Bird Bath Creation:**
1. Size matters when creating water features for birds, especially smaller songbirds.
2. Birds often prefer smaller water features, like tiny puddles, for drinking or bathing when access to larger water bodies is difficult or unsafe.
3. The author decided to build a small bathing pond with moving water and small waterfalls to attract birds.
4. The author used a wide-brimmed plant pot and a smaller clay pot to create the bath.
5. A small 300-liter per hour pump was used to circulate the water.
6. The author adjusted the pump to ensure the sound of flowing water was prominent without excessive splashing.
7. Rocks were arranged to create a shallow area for drinking and a deeper area for bathing.
8. A security camera was set up to capture bird visits to the bath.
**Building a Larger Pond:**
9. The author decided to build a larger pond adjacent to the smaller bird bath.
10. The new pond's location was chosen along the forest's edge to attract a greater diversity of wildlife.
11. A ditch nearby would serve as the outflow for the new pond.
12. The author mentioned experiencing challenges and changes in design during the pond-building process.
**Pond Liner and Waterfalls:**
13. Initially, the author considered using a liner for the new pond but later tested the soil's ability to hold water.
14. The author decided to use a liner after testing the clay-rich soil.
15. Dams for small waterfalls were constructed, and adjustments were made to improve water flow.
**Collecting and Placing Rocks:**
16. The author collected rocks of various shapes and sizes to place around the pond.
17. The process involved careful inspection of rocks for wildlife before collection.
18. Some rocks were positioned for waterfalls, and the author added sand and smaller rocks to fill gaps.
**Surrounding Area and Moss:**
19. Moss and cardboard were added to the surrounding area to prevent grass growth.
20. Soil, logs, branches, stumps, bark, and compost were used to create a natural landscape around the pond.
21. The author mentioned that the project is a work in progress and plans to fill gaps and find larger rocks to improve the waterfall's appearance.
**Wildlife Interactions:**
22. The smaller bird bath attracted various wildlife, including Cedar Waxwings, American Goldfinches, Eastern Chipmunks, Red Squirrels, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
23. Skunks and a baby fox were observed visiting the bird bath.
**Future Plans:**
24. The author plans to observe bird and wildlife activity as the seasons change and Fall migration approaches.
Please note that these facts have been summarized and numbered for clarity, and some details may have been omitted to maintain brevity.