Pond Success Species

[dapjwy]

After digging Phase II of my pond project (a larger pond that will eventually be connected to the smaller Phase I pond with a stream, series of pools, and waterfall), putting in a liner, filling it, and adding some rocks, water striders showed up. Frogs soon followed--there were several already in my smaller pond.

These species (and some other aquatic insects) are great, but two new species showed up recently, and I am thrilled!

I am pleased to announce that I now have toad tadpoles--and I spotted the pair in the act of procreating. Later, I spotted tadpoles and the strands of eggs. I am guessing, by the timing, that another pair must have spawned earlier.

Today, I went to take more pictures...and, I spotted, what I believe are salamander larvae on a leafe floating just below the surface of the water!

I am thrilled to see my wildlife pond supporting so many species. I cannot wait to create a wetland, more pools, and a waterfall...and see all if the life that comes to it.

[havalotta]

What FUN!!!!
You and...nature in it's early discovery stages

[dapjwy]

I am thrilled to discover that my pond is functioning as a wildlife pond and supporting various species!

[dapjwy]

Some more pond life...

[jack]

congrats, Dap. You've worked hard on that project, and it's pleasing to see your joy at the hard work paying off!!!

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by jack

congrats, Dap. You've worked hard on that project, and it's pleasing to see your joy at the hard work paying off!!!

<big smile>

Yes, "joy" sounds about right.

A *lot* more to do...but the wildlife is enjoying it. I do think having natural rock instead of a liner will be better for them...and much more pleasing to me.

[Martha]

So cool! Soon the birds will be dining there.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by Martha

So cool! Soon the birds will be dining there.

They have at least come to drink...I hadn't really thought about dining. Then again, every year--same time each year--barn swallows show up along with dragonflies...and there is a lot of flitting and swooping as both species are dining on something!

My hope is, once I add a wetland, that red-wing blackbirds will nest here. Normally I just see them in spring...but, yesterday I spotted a male fly through our property...and, then I realized I heard their call (one of the few that I can recognize).

[dapjwy]

I am enjoying the pond...and the pondlife that it supports. I have taken plenty of photos--mostly frogs, since they have become accustomed to my presence and no longer dive into the water at my approach.

I thought it was long past time for me to post more pictures here.

The toad tadpoles have grown arms and legs--sorry the photo is not more clear.

[dapjwy]

Last fall, I went to a native plant nursery for our native water lily. It is at least an hour and a half drive. They were out. Luckily, the guy who works there went to their display pond, broke off a piece of tuber, potted it up and sold it to me. I planted it last fall.

I was a little concerned it was planted too deep. When the guest small leaf appeared, I was thrilled. Then slowly another and another. By the time I hit five or six, I figured I might have to wait for next year before it stored up enough energy to bloom. About a week or two later, I was sitting by the pond with my face buried in my phone, glasses on top of my head so I could see the screen. I recall spotting a blur of white; even before I put my glasses down so I could see, I knew the water lily had bloomed. It was a nice surprise. If it is the only blossom I get this year, I will be happy...but, I suspect more may follow.