i'm destroying my wildlife pond, here's why

My first DIY wildlife photography pond was a ton of fun to make, and it's been amazing seeing it evolve. However, I'll be destroying it...
If you'd like to support the channel and the projects I'm working on ▶ / @stefanoianiro
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#BirdPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Birding
Stefano Ianiro, Bird Photography Tips, What's Ruining Your Bird Photography, Bird Photography, Wildlife Photography, Behind-the-Scenes, Wildlife Photography Behind-the-Scenes, Building a Wildlife Pond, DIY Wildlife Pond, Bird Photography at my DIY Wildlife Pond
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[@StefanoIaniro]

Sorry for the delay, this took way longer to do and put together than I thought! The next episode should be out in the next week or two. Excited to see what will show up! 😀

[@BirdBath1]

⭐⭐

[@insanuralom6480]

Wait for new pond complete

[@rolib6108]

Hey. You should try one way glass, and building a wooden structure under the pond, so its elevated from the ground a bit. Therefore the background will be far away, and its not just gonna be the dirt on the ground. Well, I dont know how your new hide gonna look, but I saw thats how your previous hide looked like that. Check out Máté Bence's photography hides. I photographed there a few times, he has the best bird photography hides.

[@rolib6108]

Also, I subscribed. Loved the video

[@THEROOTMATTERS]

I absolutely love seeing the joy you attracted. Regenertive wildlife ecosystems are needed in every yard. I think so.

[@clintrobinson1706]

I am so happy to hear you say you are planting NATIVE flowers, shrubs and trees! This will make such a huge impact on the breeding birds on your property. I am attempting to remove all invasives and go 100% native on my property. Looking forward to seeing all your progress. These few words made me a subscriber.

[@donnacsuti4980]

That helps a bit but won't replace a year round hundreds of years old water source

[@MuzzaHukka]

Or you could bring European birds to the continent and have them migrate around the US and Canada 🤷🏿‍♂️💁🏿‍♀️😂

[@stevenhusmann3816]

At what point do migrating plants become NATIVE? One generation, ten? Hundred years? Thousand? Surely they ALL came from somewhere. Kinda like people.

[@helenamcginty4920]

@@MuzzaHukka oh ha ha.

[@alexiscausleywaabagiizhigo8606]

Even grasses have deeper roots. Native to your area is the best way to go. I love it.

[@marioncapriotti1514]

Well, I admit I was upset at first when I saw the title, but now that I know you're making a bigger, better pond with more wildlife-friendly features, I applaud you! So glad I found your site, I am loving watching your work. Thanks!

[@guineapiglady2841]

I was thinking about strangling him!

[@sarahhajarbalqis]

So enjoying watching life in and around the pond. Feeling a bit sad... But when you said that you're going to build a larger pond I am instantly appeased. Thank you so much 🎶🐦🌺🇲🇾

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! It should be able to attract and house many more species!

[@BirdBath1]

The birds 🐦 saying Thank you too

[@arjunisonline3807]

This is probably the best thing I’ve ever seen. Everything you did in this video is amazing, digging a pond, building a fort and of course the wildlife. This video made my day. Thank you

[@StefanoIaniro]

So happy to hear you enjoyed it all, thanks for watching!

[@vanessasworder8375]

Loved it too thank you ….absolutely beautiful ❤

[@n-rajesh]

Just when I was thinking “yeah can understand it must be difficult for this one guy to maintain that pond in freezing conditions; can understand” you go on to say your just making a bigger (better) one! You’re officially on your way to becoming the real “bird man” 🐦 ! All the more power to you!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Haha thanks a lot! I've been thinking about doing this since the beginning of winter. Glad to see it come to life

[@DiegoMartinez-lu1vs]

@@StefanoIaniro maybe making a river I guess.

[@michelletownsley3172]

I just discovered your KZbin channel. I was worried when I saw the title on this one! The new project sounds absolutely amazing. I look forward to seeing the epic results.

[@andycoleman2708]

I can't remember the last time I was this impressed with a video! You did incredible work!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!!

[@outdoorztime2923]

Man, that was some work. It is sure nice to see there are people out there that aren't scared of hard work. Hope you get tons of wildlife for your efforts.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks! After a long winter, it's always nice working outdoors in the Spring!

[@1jyl22]

❤love it!

[@patrickmihajlovic4112]

Seing that the option PLASTIC was choosen over the option CLAY for water retainment... That shook my certainty that hard work might not have been a deterrent to him. 😉😂😂

[@NatureFilmsByJohnKha]

Love the dedication to building a better wildlife habitat Stefano and the thought to re-using as much of the biodiversity that existed in the previous pond. Some serious manual effort going into this new pond and hide too! I have no doubt your efforts will pay off and look forward to the results!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Hopefully! Thanks so much for watching

[@ggoannas]

Your kindness and generosity and dedication to wildlife is incredibly inspiring and moving. Thank you for them and all of us.

[@naturewithgabe]

Stefano, I love this! I used to certify backyards as wildlife sanctuaries through my job and have seen some pretty epic yards. You are on track to see some amazing stuff, that blind is top notch.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much buddy! Fingers crossed!

[@cherylwade264]

@@StefanoIaniro A Farmer's Almanac has information for year round growth for your habitat. Small fresh water plants, clams and crawfish help keep the water clear.

[@nanalcd5628]

Nice, this planet needs more people like you. Thank you for sharing and caring for nature. So peaceful to watch you do.

[@fernandoish9194]

That's a masterful work. As a wildlife photographer who plans to make all kinds of habitats for wildlife in his property (and hides too ofc) this is like a guide to me. I’ll be definitely watching how you keep on building the pond. It’s going to be full of birds soon! And I reckon you’ll even get some bigger game like deer or similar.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! Definitely fun to share the progress and hope to do this on a bigger scale in the future.

[@Linda-qq5mg]

I am really enjoying your videos and admire your dedication!

[@gromzo]

Damn. When I saw the title, I almost cried. Thoughts crossed my mind that you are ending this amazing and beautiful journey. But I'm glad there will be more content :D Fingers crossed! I love seeing your artwork. Good luck!

[@kendallvz]

I can't wait to be able to do projects like this myself someday soon! This provides great inspiration!

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad to hear, thank you!

[@mnemonyss]

You are amazing, caring for the wildlife and enjoying nature with good old fashioned hard work is just so refreshing to see. Thank you for your work, because of you many species of families have prospered.

[@mariegoldsworthy6384]

I love the level of thought you've put into your new pond. You can see your passion driving you to create this beautiful landscape not just for your own desires in photography but also for the native wildlife.

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad you think so! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@cherylwade264]

@@StefanoIaniro Are you going to add seasonal fruit bearing trees and fruit bearing vines toward the edges of the property? The amount of fruit flies and other bugs bugs could be too much around the pond area.

[@denniswade6727]

I find great joy in watching your videos, and I am in awe of your dedication to making your homestead not just a place for you to flourish, but also a place for wildlife to feel safe and to also enjoy! I know that the profession you have chosen as a natural photographer makes this more of a natural act than it may be for a lot of other people, but we really are in such great need of this kind of attitude and response to the natural world around us. We truly are the caretakers of this world and of all the wildlife within it, and benefit so greatly as a species by making this a priority in our lives. Thank you for all that you are doing!

[@ABirdersParadise]

I appreciate how dedicated you are to that project. I know how much work it is to dig by hand, and knowing that you did most of that in one day is quite shocking. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks a lot! Luckily it was mostly sand. If it was rockier my back would be broken 😅

[@andrewcrisp9700]

That looked like some serious hard graft, I look forward to seeing the area develop over time. Thanks for the video, happy Easter from the UK.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Glad you enjoyed it! Happy easter!

[@shirleyandrews1152]

You inspire me! 4 1/2 yrs ago my home & town of Paradise CA burned down in the Camp Fire. Everything is gone😪 but now I’m getting help to start over. I have a lot in town but we r rural & mountainous. I hope to welcome back the deer, ‘possums, birds & other critters. Your program will help me stay focused on my goal. Thank you so much.

[@jaspalsinghsaran6405]

Stefano, I am just loving your videos... they are simplistic, yet full of insights, and powerful enough to influence anyone into picking bird photography (along with other things like, preserving nature...). Keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing and liking more of your work!!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for the kind words! Excited to share more!

[@Abby-yc7tt]

if I could say that in all caps I would. STEFANO, I AM not gonna but Yes Please Yes.

[@kylegage87]

Amazing work! Can't wait to see the finished product! It's great that your new pond will serve even more wildlife and make even better photo & video opportunities for you.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks! I'm quite excited to see how everything plays out!

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Oh my, this makes me tired just watching you do all that work!! I hope it is successful beyond your expectations and you and the wildlife get a lot of enjoyment out of it. :)

[@StefanoIaniro]

Same here lol! Thanks for watching!

[@jackicammidge5901]

I love projects where you are the designer, the builder and the user. Everything to your specifications.

[@SwiminWithTheRays]

Brilliant plan! So glad we finally got an update & can’t wait to future episodes.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@franklinmichael671]

Looking forward to the next episode, this was one of the most interesting projects I was following on KZbin, loving the new one, much more natural and better looking. Hope the increase in depth helps you keep more aquatic wildlife. Good luck!

[@paulbrowning.photography]

Awesome work! I couldn’t be more jealous of what you have ahead of you . I can’t wait for the next episode. 🇬🇧 ❤️💯

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for watching!

[@ajayjg01]

I like your effort in making wildlife comfortable 😊 I understand from your videos that your priority is wildlife over wildlife photography. 😊💚

[@sechea4477]

Amazing work 🎉 Can't wait to see more updates on your new pond. Always love and enjoy your video. ❤

[@D4lD0]

Dude I absolutely love your videos, I appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into everyone of your projects. Keep it up man, this is truly quality!

[@allonekingdom]

How very kind of you Stephano. God bless you for your effeorts

[@Brynnalia]

I just discovered all your videos including your wildlife homestead. HOW you can do all this manual labor work is mind boggling. But the results and the beauty you achieve and provide through for the wildlife are A-MAZING.

[@ptownneal]

Your ambition & dedication is incredible! Looking forward to the next phase AND more photography! Thanks & Cheers!!!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@eyeperture]

Ever since stumbled upon this channel I got myself hooked whole day. Nice cinema photography, nice music and editing. ❤

[@jgbcodemonkey]

Truly a next level project! The amount of work you're putting into this is incredible. Keep up the good work!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching

[@StephenJStephen_Photography]

Wonderful job Stefano! Using pallets for the structure of your blind was a brilliant idea. I look forward to watching future videos as all of your hard works comes to fruition.

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@monikal9384]

I have just recently come across your channel and so glad I did. Makes my heart happy to watch all the wildlife. 😊

[@Cynthia.B]

I am so impressed by your hard work and ingenuity. The birds and all wildlife really appreciate it! Your photography is so special. So wonderful to see those beautiful birds up close. Thank you for sharing!

[@keimahane]

Your passion really comes through in these pond videos, love the fact that you are out digging the pond with Binos around your neck @8:04 You never know what might show up so you don't want to miss them, love it!

[@reitenarayan7019]

Why? So nice all nature, creatures, arriving started forming

[@Marie-ft6sd]

Woaooo i am just discovering your channel...what you do is so heartwarming, so creative !!! Thank you for the beauty!!

[@NoMoreHeroesAnymore1334]

I love how considerately you're going about this. I'm That Weirdo who will tap-jiggle-move-gently any random yard things I need to seriously relocate, and then come back to them to do the actual whole moving task a few minutes later, so the poor jumpies and other little beings in there have an opportunity to bail out, and at least hopefully don't have a sudden terrifying experience. You even moved the dirt so anyone living in there could hopefully have a new home by a pond. : D

[@imposter3205]

This was great Stefano. Makes me want to get access to some property here in Western Australia and do the same thing! Fantastic idea and well-executed so far, can't wait to see what you get during the migration.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!

[@Renovator26]

Truly astounding! I just wish I had your energy. No machines either, I gather. It's amazing how nature can adapt to the situations available. I look forward to future episodes. Well done! John, Ontario, Canada

[@CrazyEightyEights]

Your ideas are absolutely inspiring. Thank you for sharing your work and vision.

[@craigmantle5362]

You definitely work hard like you were a Canadian farm kid or something. I wish I had a space to do this. Looking forward to seeing how much wildlife your new pond attracts Stefano!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! Excited to share what shows up!

[@labrat2069]

Watching 12/19/2022 - Sooo enjoyable to see such progress!

[@carlthomson4910]

Love the inspiration, work ethic and creativity which went into this project! I'm sure the results will be outstanding! Great job

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@curbe4288]

love the work, everytime you put a video of the pond series you made my day, love from uruguay

[@garrett8128]

Very excited to watch to process! Hoping to be able to get a place with some property when I can buy and definitely want to do something like this!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!

[@terryshaw4756]

A very interesting project. We built a small wildlife pond some years ago which transformed our garden. We used capillary matting around the perimeter dressed into the water and then laid grass roll over it. This enabled animals etc to get out of the pond easily. We also stocked the pond with swan mussels, they filter an amazing amount of water and keep it clear we also stocked it with newts. If you want to attract a great variety of wildlife build a wildlife pond they are simply amazing

[@jenniferdurham4749]

You have demonstrated that even a small project can have a positive impact. Best on luck with your larger pond. Looking forward to your future documentaries.

[@equestrianobsession7687]

I’m obsessed with watching these videos and so glad that your helping the wildlife , it really is fascinating to watch and CANNOT WAIT for the new giant pond

[@susanfirth2279]

Whew, you had me worried there for a minute Stefano. So glad you have decided to build a bigger better pond and adding new meadows and native plants. Fantastic. Well done. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much for watching! Excited to share the progress

[@jpbrouard]

Following your progress from South Africa. Too excited to see how this all pans out! Thanks for sharing.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for watching!

[@goldfinch8792]

Hi from the UK. Love love love everything to do with wildlife. This is a great project...keep us posted!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!!

[@mfcabrini]

This is amazing, and all done with hand tools. Such a wonderful project! Thanks so much for doing this. I hope it inspires others to create much needed habitat.

[@AutumnDays08]

This was so much fun to watch. Looking forward to seeing how the new pond looks during spring!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!!

[@BenjiSun]

upgrading! awesome! can't wait to watch the build and what will come visit to get ideas for my own when i have property

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!

[@lorenrenee1]

So happy to find your channel. We are moving to countryside to do this exact thing.

[@ajax_jones]

I'm really impressed how much progress you were able to make in this single video. Even though you have more habitat to establish around the pond, it's already ready for nature to begin using it! Keep us all updated!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you! There's already been a few visitors here and there. I think the habitat will make them feel safer to come drink/bathe

[@joephalarope6880]

The new pond looks very promising! Looking forward to new series. Thank you for keep inspiring us!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@angusho2366]

Really looking forward to your next episode. Thank you very much for sharing this new pond video with us.

[@joannaczyrka1245]

It was super exciting to watch. And it is one of videos that go "ones that get my crafty spouse in trouble" category! :) I cannot wait to see what wildlife comes to your pond this year!

[@Nangramdipu4]

You are such a hardworking human being and you are doing this incredible work and providing ao many livelihoods. I love your videos and i hope you keep up with this amazing and generous hobby of yours

[@tinkagain]

I appreciate so much what you've done here and shared with us!

[@julieegorova6658]

This is just THE BEST channel in KZbin! Thank you so much for your work it’s amazing 😭❤️

[@bigsmiler5101]

GREAT editing!!! I seriously admire that. At the 15:33 point, you have a heavy rubberlike stuff. What is that called? Where do you get it?

[@trondwestby5264]

This is amazing! Most of us would hire a excavator, but not you 😅. Hats off buddy for making this great habitat for birds. Something I have wanted to do my self for years, but have no area to do so. Looking forward to see how it turns out. Great work buddy!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much, Trond!

[@XCTERRA]

Very inspiring work!! i have a pond (filled back up naturally over the years) i have just got this property in the last two years. Seeing your previous video gave me ideas to dig up the pond and get the birds back in there. Can't wait t'ill spring comes along so i can start. Cheers from Québec🇨🇦

[@schlund366]

We'd love to see your project too!

[@andy_allen]

I was very dispirited to hear that you were destroying the wildlife pond, but quickly encouraged by the new plans. (And amazed by how quickly and tidily you made a solid hide out of pallets!) I’m now eager to see the updates as it gets finished.

[@frankspondlife5825]

Very well done with great enthusiasm, and what lovely loose sandy soil ,good job and good luck to you from uk

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Cool and well-thought-out project! Watching from the Philippines.

[@freedomthroughspirit]

Great plan, this is wonderful. Feeling inspired to try something like this. But in our drought area I'm not sure how much it could sustain... still, I'm intrigued! Thanks.

[@iastorgaphotos]

What a wonderful labor of wildlife love🤗! I can’t wait for your next vlog. Continued good luck and success to you and your projects! 👍🏼🙏🏼🐣

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@BirdBath1]

Irene Astorga

[@Sushi2735]

Can’t believe you are doing this by hand! Backbreaking work. Wow !

[@cordomver]

Amazing video and thank you so much for your inspiring work Stefano! I'm very new to birding and wildlife spotting in general, and yet to acquire my first camera and photography kit. So far only been out in the wild with my binoculars as I am saving money for the photo equipment. Your channel is incredibly motivating and I can't wait to see how the new pond will flourish!

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's awesome, congrats on the new hobby! Hopefully you've been able to see some great birds so far. Thanks for watching!

[@natru2dagame]

This looks fun, I've subscribed it's very soothing to watch these... 😊

[@kilohotel6750]

Great job so far. Looking forward to what you see this spring and summer.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!

[@silentlou4375]

This is an excellent reference for me, thanks very much. I have created several small frog ponds for the same reasons and became hooked after my amazement to the seemingly endless wildlife that they attract and support. I have plans for more and your videos will help greatly.

Really cool video!!! Can't wait to see the rest of this series

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks!

[@ReikiHealingMusic_com]

awesome. looking forward to seeing what species come to the bigger pond. love that you used pallets for the blind. great job.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks a lot!!

[@Swindie]

I love this so much! When I get my own place I’d love to do this!! Great work as usual!

[@StefanoIaniro]

You'll have a ton of fun doing it! Thanks for watching

[@CodyLimber]

Love the fact that you're taking the needs of the wildlife into the design of the new pond, can't wait to see the results

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for watching!

[@betiko182]

Amazing job Stefano! I’m very jealous (in the best way) what you’re doing is just amazing. You inspire me to do the same one day! Great work!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@StefanoIaniro]

That means a lot, thank you!

[@raunakpatel7591]

Very interesting and metaculously done ,hope this is a great success, enjoyed watching it ,all the best for further planning.

[@jacquelinek6432]

What a great and well thought out project! Looking forward to seeing all the wildlife this will attract.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for watching!

[@vintage6346]

You've done something wonderful. I am elderly and disabled, otherwise, I'd be trying to do something similar in my large back yard. Your video brought tears to my eyes. Your work seems blessed. :)

[@TraciPeteyforlife]

You do very important work, I'm glad your able to do so. Fresh water in the winter is hell on anything to find. I'm glad you did all this for the birds.

[@subrotomitra]

Stefano, your amazing vision & dedication id what makes me belive in the good of the Earth and humans . Fascinating . Wish I could do it also

[@79klkw]

So very beautiful! It's great that you will connect these 2 man made bodies of water, for differnt species purposes! And your master plan is AMAZING!

[@tonyprice2256]

Wow, great job! Your videos are truly inspiring. You are making me think about what i may be able to do in my own backyard, lol.

[@penorvoll]

Wow! Great project...can't wait to see the result!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!

[@michaelhause2669]

What a fantastic project. You are lucky to have the property to do such a creative project. Keep taking awesome photos of birds and wildlife.👍

[@CleanSlateFarm]

You are an inspiration! Love your positive attitude and determination. Thanks for the great videos.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!!

[@Leo-lj6vs]

Your little pond gave me hope somehow. It made me feel good. Happy you are building a new larger one. The whole process is so interesting... Amazed how to built you little observatory using palettes. You are very meticulous and hardworking. One day, I'm thinking of building a small pond. Thanks for sharing.

[@1234cheerful]

You created something really amazing here. What absolutely fabulous photography! (1:40 It did not snow in my area this winter. I did not miss it.)

[@RamusJamus]

this was so enjoyable to watch, i cant wait for the next episode!!

[@fpost9645]

You do beautyfull work to create wildlife at your pond. I love to watch this.