I Built a WILDLIFE Pond for BIRD Photography

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/stefanoianirowildlife05211

[@BirdBath1]

I am late 👀⭐

[@TheNonplayer]

nice video, great idea.. too many ad's ...won't watch more, sorry

[@markheatherington8367]

Build a pond and they drink from a puddle on the driveway :) Such a wise observation. I put up 6 bluebird boxes over ten acres last winter. Good news is I have a pair nesting on my property. The bad news is they are using a 20 year old Flicker box attached to an old fence post that's leaning at a 45 deg angle. Go figure

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Hahaha yup, very typical. They always see things in a different way than we do. We have a bunch of older nest boxes too that although they don't look good to us, they're used year in and year out. Congrats on the bluebirds! Maybe their young will scope out the new nest boxes for next year 🙂

[@berthaday3473]

Ha, reminds me of a kid. U buy it a $200 toy, & it plays with the cardboard box it came in.

[@markheatherington8367]

@@berthaday3473 :)) I think I was that kid

[@berthaday3473]

Proud of u ! I built a small 80 gallon pond. It harbors shrimp, gambusia, minnows, guppies (sometimes), 2 types of snails, native plants, fresh water mussels & f w clams, & often water frogs that I name & sometimes they let me pet them. It is a worthwhile cheap hobby that contributes greatly to nature. & doesn't take up much time to maintain. My is non electric & self sustaining. But I do feed fish every other day. They come when I tap on side & say "who's hungry?". Very rewarding

[@LisaSaffell]

I live in Suburbia and I put a pondless waterfall in my backyard last fall. Can't believe what all has stopped by! Best thing I ever did for myself and the birds. The video that popped up after this one was a macro video in the Orchard. I subscribed to Stefan's Channel a couple of months ago. Found him by accident and love the content he shares. I can't believe he is your girlfriend's Dad! Cant wait to see more pond videos :)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Yes it’s amazing what a little water can do! And that’s funny, what a small world! We’re a family of youtubers haha

[@apenza4304]

Nice to watch a win win for the wildlife and the photographer.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Episode 2 is up now! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWfEYoVubbaVd9k

[@jeanniehargis4034]

Wow, what a wonderful habitat you have created! So many creatures have a new home and you have really taught me some things I didn’t know! So glad your kitty has a great home now! Thanks for sharing!

[@paulinefollett3099]

I love your ideas for building this pond. By adding all those extras I think will make it even more appealing.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That's the plan! Hopefully the birds will cooperate 😂

[@Swindie]

This is honestly the coolest idea ever. Been thinking about it all day! Nice stuff!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@berthaday3473]

Ryan, go grab a pond tub from Lowes ($10 to $100) & make it happen in ur yard, or on ur patio ! U can do it!

[@cyrus.cycocy.7974]

I love the bird fruit forest idea!

[@BirdBath1]

CyCoCy, look at bird bath

[@carolcribby8642]

Soo glad that sparrow made indoors. What a beautiful kitty

[@cobythebirdnerd3790]

How cool Stefano! Thanks for this!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@amithalder6458]

Nice one Stefano. Looking forward to following you and your pond project through the coming months. Good luck

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! And thanks for watching!

[@dream_emulator]

Amazing work 🙌

[@hungqtran7960]

Loved to see all your bird photography and thanks for sharing👍

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@reggio565]

Beautiful video my Canadian brother!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@DrippingtheDrop]

Nicely done Stef! This is super cool.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much, Eric! Glad you enjoyed it

[@ericb3061]

I would just like to say thank you this one video is so incredible. I wish every state governor can see what 1 person can do in the community. Please keep sharing and teaching

[@6373abhi]

Huge success. 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!!

[@markrigg6623]

The results are going to get better and better. Should be very rewarding. Nicely done.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@manjub4222]

Awesome idea, please share updates on birds from this area

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks! I definitely will!

[@jjimywoods1363]

Build it and they will come!. What a beautiful vid.

[@WiseDecisions]

You have good understanding of nature. I'm really happy, your doing wonderful job.

[@chantaljacques7664]

Great work Stefano! I love bird reflection but I enjoy even more getting pictures or video of bird bathing. Looking forward to see the tweaking you will do of the pond over time but it looks very promising. I am sure Quebec super hot Summer days and migration will be very productive photography days.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Merci, Chantal! Yes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for those days! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@WaynesAdventure]

Well done and great idea

[@msab4883]

Great idea, i love how birds always get a bath when they have a chance

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you! Same here!

[@TourDeMadone]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@pfneuman]

Best channel find, so informative and interesting. Every video makes me feel good, thanks for the amazing content!

[@glennhunt2375]

Good idea Stefano of digging your blind down to water level rather than trying to build up a reflection pool on supports as seen in most other videos on this subject - look forward to seeing progress.👍

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! The other method of raising the reflection pool is also a good one. However I won't be using this 24/7, but the wildlife will. So I figured having it ground level will encourage more species to use it and makes it a bit more natural for them.

[@hopeulikenudes]

Very cool. Excited to see how it progresses

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@NikCan66]

Brilliant video and greetings from Dublin Ireland

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@NikCan66]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead your welcome

[@CherylsBirds]

Loved the video! Cracked up at the "Stefano loading" 🤣

[@lacrossedad1963]

Nice work! Looking forward to see the follow ups!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@vegan-vrking9565]

Came for the pond build...... Stayed for the birds! ❤❤ #thefutureisvegan

[@soonershadow]

Can you give more info on the type of liner you used and where you got it? And also the blind you are using? Awesome video and thank you for your time!!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

It's an old polyethylene silage plastic. It was actually sitting around in the orchard for years, that's why I had to patch it up with tape. Voles and Mice chewed some holes through it. You should be able to get something similar at a local hardware store, unless you need a lot of it. Then you might have to do a special order. I'm using the Tragopan V+ blind (the older model, I think they have a new one now). Glad you enjoyed!

[@amandajanepalfrey7733]

Absolutely beautiful. Im so glad your hard work paid off 😍

[@BirdBath1]

Amanda Jane Palfrey, look at bird bath

[@kikakapu1]

Nice work thanks for sharing.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@acmulhern]

Such a beautiful project. We will be making one this year too.

[@jukimax]

Nice video and project, great to see which birds come to the scene :)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@networm64]

What a great idea! Well done birdman! Oh those Stefano loadings was so fun, for a second I thought it's a new feature in YT when connection is getting slow!😄

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Haha that would be a handy feature for creators easily distracted by birds lol

[@neildbarker]

Really great idea! Looking forward to an update as well like you said when the weather gets warmer in early Summer. Also, you'll get some great photos during Fall migration as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Yeah I kinda wish I built it earlier so it would be more progressed before spring migration, but should be interesting what shows up in the future!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Yeah I kinda wish I built it earlier so it would be more progressed before spring migration, but should be interesting what shows up in the future!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

Would you change anything now that youve had it here for a while? Would you make it any longer or wider or shorter and narrower? What about depth for fish?

[@MrLince-hr4of]

what a rich country, you are very lucky !

[@HappyBoyProductions]

Love this! Looking forward to more bird videos from your pond. Nicely done Stefano!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Beautiful video, Stefano! The best part is seeing how happy you are that this worked out. :)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much, Liesl! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@PokieTrove_com]

Awesome work. love this hopefully you do more videos shooting here. congrats

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you! I should have another video on it next month 🙂

[@bernicetornquist7453]

This is absolutely beautiful….thank you so much and God Bless you…🙏💕

[@VioletGOKU]

This is amazing! Great work, and some stunning images!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@_Creaux]

this looks dope man!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@catherinetremerryn]

Some great tips, thank you :)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@NickSchrader]

Man, what an awesome idea!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you thought so!! 😊

[@BenjaminSmail]

Loved it! Super job as always

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks! Really glad you enjoyed

[@HabeebRWildlifePhotography]

Thanks stefano for sharing a great video and you are a real nature lover. The happiness can see in you face and smile. I am new subscriber here

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for subscribing! Glad you enjoyed

[@Alsmir]

Great video, mate! I'm always happy to see you upload new ones. I really like your project and results so far. Keep it up :)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed buddy! Thanks so much for watching!

[@arunasit]

Wow, very nice job. You are very lucky to have such a huge land for yourself to play with. Awaiting for more videos on this pond :).

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@patricksavard4451]

Super cool, envying you and that land space! Great video keep them coming

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much, really glad you liked it! Thanks for watching, Patrick 🙂

[@sustainablejoy9210]

Wow can’t wait for a follow up 🤩

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@colmranger]

Awesome video very inspiring

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@EspenHelland]

What a great project! Well done Stefano 👍

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much, Espen! Glad you liked it!

[@brandt_bennett]

Very cool. Excited to see how it progresses , and that is a neat property!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Already made a few small additions, like willow cuttings to help filter the water. I'll show my progress in the update video 🙂

[@brandt_bennett]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead that’s awesome! Have you found that your background in biology helps with the design and improvements?

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Yeah it definitely helps! This design was made as a hybrid between a pond and a reflection pool for photography. For it to be more attractive for wildlife, I should have made irregular edges to the pond, added shallow gradients around each edge, added more plants, etc. Maybe down the road I'll rip this one out and build a bigger, more wildlife friendly pond. But for now it's kinda nice having one optimized for photography haha

[@comeraczy2483]

Thanks a lot for yet another amazing video! I am impressed by the amount of work that you are putting into this project. I am also curious about some of your choices. First, why dig such a large pond instead of making a smaller elevated pond (less work, sitting hides tend to be more comfy, maybe added mobility)? Why put the pond in a large open area instead of under already existing canopy that would offer less intimidating approach paths for some birds? Aren't you concerned with the sun (algae growth, heat that neither snails nor birds will like in summer, harsh reflections on everything)? Won't the taller sides of the pond be a deterrent for some birds (they can't see what's sneaking up on them when having a bath)? Aren't there health and safety issues with non circulating water?

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for watching! Very good questions. I didn’t really cover these too much, but will cover some of them in the follow up video next month. I wanted the pond to be accessible to other wildlife like foxes, skunks, rabbits, etc. If I like the setup long term, I’ll dig a blind in the ground that I could make any size. How the property is laid out, this was really the only place where it won’t be in the way. I didn’t show it too well but the poplar stand is right next to the pond, and they grow very fast. So it’s not ideal now but over time it will only become better and better as the trees and shrubs fill in. So far the birds have been moving from the large pines, to the poplars, and down to the pond, so luckily that worked out. I didn’t show it in this video but I added bulrushes on the sides and willow cuttings. Both are good at filtering water through their roots, so I’m hoping they will do the bulk of the work for maintaining water quality. It’s also hooked up to the irrigation system so fresh water is added into it on a daily basis. The taller sides will get covered in soil and grasses so they’ll be even higher, which means anything coming from the sides wouldn’t be able to reach them in the pond (unless it’s an aerial predator, in which case can’t do much about that haha). I’m not too concerned with harsh light since I’d only be shooting early morning/evening, unless it’s an overcast day. I’ll definitely need to keep tweaking things over time. Since it’s kind of a hybrid between a pond and a reflection pool, it definitely adds a few layers of complexity haha

[@Sockchucker]

Fascinating and inspiring. Plus you got a cat. Huge win

[@mylittlebeaks]

What a great project! I hope one day to be able to afford a house with a backward so I can do something similar. I'm single and housing is really expensive even in Laval. I'm renting and my options are extremely limited. I put a few feeders and a hanging bath on my balcony for now. I don't think non wildlife people get how excited we become when a new bird shows up! I'm also saving for a telephoto lens, right now all I have is an 85mm which works OK for me since I'm close to my birdie friends. However, it's certainly not ideal! Funny story is I got overrun by common redpolls this winter. I captured some videos on my channel, it's pretty intense!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Hope you can do something similar too! So much fun. The housing market right now is absolutely absurd. Crazy prices. It was indeed a great year for redpolls, it was an irruption year! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@seenaturethroughmyeyes3442]

Really amazing. Mesmerizing ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@OniSamurai_86]

Dude I love your videos. I like the energy you put in the videos, so positive and chill. Keep it up Stefano. 🔥

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That means a lot! Thanks for watching!

[@dilanjayawickrama2469]

Nice work. Love it. Is it a 600 mm lens you used here

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you! This was with the 200-600!

[@bbqkid8]

Amazing idea and some great footage. These "common" species never get much love!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@draclebrun254]

I'm here from Tiktok - I saw short vid of this and THIS is just awesome! I love your idea and joy of nature, all people should have your vibe and just be happy of this side od mother nature 😍

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@Sheilena1]

Found this Video here in Germany. Its amazing, thanks for your Inspiration. I‘m trying to shoot fotos of the birds here at the north sea but didn‘t succeed yet. Gonna try further on.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Good luck with the birds!

[@seidmadur]

Good job!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!!

[@KevinNordstrom]

inspirational brother.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!

[@thunderloft9941]

Loved it

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@rango1584]

Amazing video to show the setup of your new project... Great photos as always... just a suggestion if you can add some green algae plant towards both sides of the pond, you could make it look more like a natural spot for birds... Great work!!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed! For the update video in a few weeks I’ll definitely have more greenery around the pond 🙂

[@BenjiSun]

i'm wondering if digging down maybe a foot or two so your bird hide sits lower would help in any way? like with dissipating some summer heat or just being close to water height. just thinking out loud for something like this i'd like to build in the future when i have my own non-urban property.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Oh definitely! I intend to dig and build a blind in the ground. I just want to have the pond up for a few months first to make sure it's working smoothly before deciding on the design for the blind.

[@BenjiSun]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead ah cool! can't wait to see future videos on what other birds will come visit~

[@siddhu14]

So refreshing bro! ❤️ Keep doing what you love! ✨ Inspiring. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@19Photographer76]

Great job, spray for ticks. Question, why did you place the plastic on the top of the bank dirt and not under it? I would have thought that the bank depth would have been adequate for perenial grasses and flowers?

[@tuomas_aho]

Very nice job! I have a similiar type of pond at my cabin. It's a bit deeper and has fish living in it also. Birds love it. I dug it almost 15 years ago and I've been using the same plastic all these years. The banks are filled with natural and garden plants. I should do a video about it soon :)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Wow that’s awesome! You must have a lot of regular visitors if it’s been around that long. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelwhitehead9369]

Which trail camera did you set up at your pond?

[@rsavanish]

Lovely

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks!

[@petercasey3738]

Fair play to you, ‘Tis good stuff & efforts appreciated

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@sunnyhu4855]

Awesome.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks!

[@AliYafi-vp8ge]

Amazing content.. you deserve more view

[@Preacherski]

Amazing, I have to say we just got a condo and because of you I have already been planning for weeks where I will put feeders etc on the trees to enjoy some coffee or brew on the balcony with song birds.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That's awesome! One of the simple pleasures in my life is sitting with a warm beverage while watching the birds!

[@andywilson89]

Yesss love when a new Stefano vid drops 🙌🙌

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@BirdsNatureTravel]

adventurous video for every bird watcher

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@GianfrancoAlemanno]

I've subscribed just because "Stefano loading" :D Great work, great video

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Hahah, thank you!!

[@KIMMIEnFLORIDA]

Super idea! I'm guessing that the blind is west exposure and you want the birds to go to the east side? Can you clarify the orientation for optimal bird reflection? I wondering how some gravel in the shallow end would work with their footing instead of a possibly slippery liner?? Also, can you remind me where you are...up north?? Thanks for sharing!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you! The blind is located roughly on the South side of the pond, and the birds will land on the North side. I set it up like this so I get early morning light coming from a slight angle on the birds, late morning light will be head on, and then sunset will be backlit at a slight angle. The amount of reflection you get is more based on the length of the pond and the height of the camera relative to the water surface. The longer the pond, the easier it is to get nice reflections. And as you lower your camera to the surface of the water, the better the reflections get. However, there is a point where you get too low, and then the reflections become more of a blur, which I find quite appealing as well (you can see this in some of the videos of the American Goldfinch I took). I added sand to create a bank on the North side of the pond, and I also spread it out throughout the bottom of the entire pond. This way wildlife feels more comfortable using it and it encourages plant growth. I'm trying to keep the sides elevated so the bird don't drink from there and always fly to the sandy bank. Fingers crossed it keeps working haha. I'm located in Quebec 🙂Thanks for watching

[@casagracia]

Very nice video Stefano!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!

[@wendyfit1]

I thoroughly enjoyed your "documentary". The filming and commentary you create is skilled and articulate. What province are you in? BC here and I am guessing you are in Ontario /Quebec or the Maritimes.

[@ForrestWest]

Stephano loading... LOL. We call it getting squirreled at my house when I'm talkin and suddenly get quiet looking into the trees. Nice Pond happy shooting!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Hahaha that's a great term. I used to be able to have a normal conversation outdoors. But since getting into birding, I'm usually distracted listening and looking off into the distance for them.

[@sharavnankv24]

Wow 🤩

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@levisimpson516]

Awesome Stefano, always stoked to see your newest video pop up. We just had a common crane land in our area (Northwest Washington State) which was really rare for us. I went out to try and find it but I think I missed it unfortunately. One question that may be a bit silly to ask here, as I'm a very casual birder, but want to start using eBird to do lists more. Do you report every bird you see, even if you already saw it the day before? I wasn't quite sure how that worked. Be well man.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That’s a mega rarity, would be great to see it so far from home. I remember seeing them in Europe. In terms of eBird it really comes down to what you want. Some people just input a bird if they’ve never seen it before. But since eBird is used as a citizen science database, it’s way more accurate and produces better data if you input the birds on a daily basis, even if you’ve seen it before. Personally, I like to input all the birds I saw in a day, even if they’re not lifers. It’s always a great way to go back on old checklists and track what’s in the area, at a given time in the year. The only time I’ll wait to add a sighting is if it’s a sensitive species. Since it’s public data, you don’t necessarily want hundreds of people flocking to an area to try to see a bird, especially during the nesting season.

[@levisimpson516]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead Okay, that helps me out a lot. I can't help be still be a bit confused at time what to do on there, I just need to use it more. I think I'll use it for daily sightings like you mentioned. It can only help me become more familiar with the different species in my area. Yeah, I really wish I had seen that crane. So far my favorite bird to watch in my area has been the local Harrier Hawk, I love how they fly.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

@@levisimpson516 Yeah it can definitely be confusing at times. Let me know if you have any other questions! They’re really cool birds, I wish I had a spot nearby where I could see them more reliably.

[@peteweiler6959]

Great looking pond!! Have you had problems with deer walking in it?

[@BirdBath1]

pete weiler, look at bird bath

[@otrebor7631]

Wow.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks!

[@Kievlar]

I love your pond idea that I might steal it! Please let me know what's that camera device that records videos that has a sensor. Thank you! New fan from the Philippines

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Yay! Glad you enjoyed it! The trail camera is the Bushnell Trophy Cam HD. It doesn't work too well, but since it's mostly pointing down it definitely makes it more bearable!

[@mitchwije7080]

Hi Stefano. What’s the trail camera you are using?? Thanks.

[@randybocksnick3750]

STEFANO-- Wonderful thought out Bird pond! I am too old to do that now. I enjoy Bird photography very much. How important is camera gear to you? Randy Bocksnick(Montana)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed! Gear is definitely a key factor, but if I had to rank it on a list for the most important things for bird photography, I'd probably place it around #5

[@CamillaI]

Nice pond I have a mate in the New Forest Hampshire UK who has built a raised pond and hide in his garden ! Awesome to have it at eye level obviously loads more work ! He gets great results though Owls Buzzard Woodpeckers and even a Badger ! Always a great idea to add water ! Keep up the good work awesome ! 👍😍

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Yeah the next step is to build that blind in the ground! I just want to see how the pond performs in a month or two to make sure I like the results and location first haha. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@tgkostonthanato]

can you send a link where you got the plastic that you put on the bottom of the pool?

[@esthermarcen7587]

wow that video was wonderful, i think it deserve more views even i got a lot, but is sooooo good, I subscribed