Hundreds of Frogs Invade the Giant Ecosystem Pond

[@SerpaDesign]

As the saying goes, "Build it and they will come." I knew that’s what would happen, but I wasn’t expecting hundreds of frogs to arrive! The footage doesn’t quite illustrate just how many there were. Also, I couldn’t believe what happened with the phoebes! Nature sure can be brutal sometimes. Either way, I can't wait to show you what's next. There's still so much to unfold. Enjoy, and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@frogjog8822]

"I'm so happy with this neat pond!" *You have alerted the horde.*

[@Guadalupeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

Add a predatory lizard there

[@EnchantedGamer3]

“This pond is actually looking good!” Frogs: *Knock knock this is the United States of frogmerica*

[@nadinehackman2358]

I would have removed the cowbird egg.

[@markjerue9734]

Thank you Serpa! One food for thought: Your local Native Plants and/or Native Wildlife conservationists would likely love to provide you with free Native plants to include in or near your pond. Especially aquatic plants, they can be in serious danger from invasive plants. Native fauna may be possible too. Why not do some Googling and ask some folks? Even without the KZbin fame they'd do it!

[@theyoungconservation]

One not so fun fact about cowbird, there's a "mafia" theory where basically the cowbird held the host nest hostage. The female actually sticks around and if she sees that her egg is being removed (by the host or some meddling human), she will destroy the whole nest. For the host, raising the parasite and trying to have another clutch after is actually more efficient than rebuilding the entire nest, so they go along with it.

[@staesti]

I never hated birds until the cowbird today

[@IgorEngelen1974]

I would have had a hard time not trying to pierce the cowbird egg with a needle.

[@LindseyLouWho]

@@staesti Cowbirds are "the most hated bird in America" - you are not alone.

[@cnjhendricks]

@@staesti European Starlings, invasive in the USA are worse. Their intelligence is impressive but they are aggressive nest raiders and out compete native birds. They roam in packs like velociraptors (frequently roaming with cowbirds) and are literally a gang raising heck across the US. There are YT videos online of bird traps use fake nest boxes that target these birds.

[@Malboop]

BRO THATS A SUPER FUN FACT!! nature is incredible bro, imagine a bird with the balls to drop an egg somewhere while making it someone else’s problem. just incredible

[@CrucialArmitage]

Your videos are a masterclass in presenting this type of content without unnecessary hype or distractions that some other KZbin channels tend to include. They are straightforward, with excellent cinematography, audio, and narration that truly focus on the subject matter. Your approach emphasizes the content itself rather than the personality behind the camera, which is refreshing. Bravo on creating such compelling videos about your pond-I love them and look forward to watching more!

[@guppylovers7452]

❤

[@antokh]

Couldn’t agree more. So soothing, so nice.

[@dimitrisdinopoulos2861]

very well said

[@mizzounyc]

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher are one of the few bird species to recognize Brown Headed Cowbird eggs and will quickly eliminate them.

[@tomholroyd7519]

Do the cowbirds retaliate?

[@AzraelThanatos]

@@tomholroyd7519 If I remember right, there's times where they tried, but get mobbed. The gnatcatchers tend to have larger groups nearby there

[@ethanchapman969]

I’ve heard that some cowbird populations retaliate

[@IAmRileyMan326]

Important fact about Brown-Headed Cowbirds before anyone hates them too much: Cowbirds are a native species to North America and prior to modern human development were not a problem to ecosystems. Cowbirds generally live and thrive on forest edge habitat. This means that they are only laying eggs in other birds' nests if they are on the edge of a forest, but they aren't found further into the heart of a forested area. However, they are now outcompeting a lot of bird species because of forest fragmentation. Since forests today are so broken up by roads and housing developments, Cowbirds have exponentially more forest edge habitat to live and nest on while other bird species have nowhere else to nest to escape the Cowbirds. They're often villianized (much like Cuckoos) because of their "parasitic" nesting strategy. However, that strategy wasn't much of a problem until we came along and broke up America's forests into little chunks.

[@kamiorange]

Thank you for adding this context!

[@Wisepati]

I had read they used to migrate a lot. And so they couldn’t stick around to raise their own and thus developed the strategy. I know native birds are protected, but it might be time to do something about the cowbirds.. just like we have to keep the populations of deer down. Our native birds are being attacked by the invasive bird species, such as the English house, finch or sparrow.

[@jhjffjfjkddf]

​@@Wisepati the native cowbirds arent problematic, the deforestation is. habitat destruction is what you should be attacking.

[@buiesportscards5122]

Legit question as someone who genuinely doesn’t know, can you just remove the Cowbird egg before it hatches or will that cause other issues in the future with the native eggs in that nest?

[@_milkysoup]

@@buiesportscards5122Tanner said removing eggs is illegal under another comment. The comment he responded to explained cowbirds can stick around to keep track of nest activities and if their egg is removed they’ll destroy the whole nest in “revenge”

[@Bob_N2BOC]

Tanner, your cinematography and narration is absolutely fantastic! I was totally enthralled watching this video, keep up the great work!!

[@CrucialArmitage]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who recognized the amazing cinematography, narration quality of the audio. It takes a lot of work to get such great quality and it needs to be recognized.

[@mitchellhall7382]

Yea Tanner, keep it up buddy. I'm being very sincere when I say that this is very important work. We sit on our couch and listen to David Attenbourough narrate the most dramatic animal dynamics in the most stunning of natural places and it makes us long to experience nature for ourselves. We sit inside wishing we had the chance to experience the beauty and awe from the natural word. We fail to realize that we do have the chance to experience that beauty because nature is happening right before us. It's in our grass, our garden, our eaves, and our driveways. We just have to tune in to our surroundings and listen to the stories that mother nature is sharing.

[@TheHeadown]

I´ve seen a lot of the amazing aquascape ponds getting built for content creators and I love them. But I´ve never seen anyone enjoy it as much as you do. Kenan enjoys his quite a lot, but this is on another level. Love it!

[@lessthanavgplayer67]

This channel has slowly cured my ranidaphobia. I couldn't even see pictures of toads a couple of years ago, but now I have watched a whole video.

[@GregWittstockThePondGuy]

“Build it and they will come!” Water is LIFE! ❤

[@mads3677]

“She was unimpressed with the ones around her” me too honey. Me too

[@SerpaDesign]

LOL

[@soflojit]

You’re a 3/10

[@mads3677]

@@norcalpacific it does, sure, my reply was funny either way 😉

[@Rohinthas]

New favorite series! Real ecosystems beyond the aquarium! Dont get me wrong, I love your vivariums and tanks, but there is something special about animals actively choosing to be part of your project!

[@nancydenmark1614]

Sometimes your attention to detail astounds me as you observe all of these tiny details within the pond and without. I’m completely hooked on the continuing story about the ecosystem you have created and is evolving in the area. I especially love that little camouflaged frog. It’s beautiful. Thank you for documenting and sharing this.

[@pl3816]

NOOO THE PHOEBE'S EGGS 😭😭😭

[@j.zackarywright4581]

It hurt to watch that part 😢

[@hunterhq295]

Didnt remove the egg? Why?

[@_denpam0n]

@@hunterhq295 1. its illegal to do so 2. the cowbird would've come back to the nest and destroyed it, killing the chicks anyway :(

[@hunterhq295]

@@_denpam0n Protected species?

[@_denpam0n]

@@hunterhq295 i think so yeah

[@melissahauke8682]

A frog colony is the best addition to a pond. I've never seen frog eggs being laid in such curly strings! Where I live, frogs lay spherical eggs in clusters, and every tadpole has it's own egg, unlike what you show that they're connected in strings. Fascinating!

[@rickieoakes5267]

That's because they are toad eggs, not frog eggs. That's how you can tell the difference 😉..🐸

[@xplicitmentality]

Tanner, the new David Attenborough.

[@TheSenatorSam]

Though it was sad, mad respect for letting nature take its course. Beautiful ecosystem you’ve built

[@Scumfrog74]

Awesome ringnecked snake. I have only ever found five in my entire life at 50 years old and enjoy them every time. I find them. They’re so docile and cool my favorite PA indigenous snake by far.

[@SerpaDesign]

I agree, they're incredible snakes!

[@j.zackarywright4581]

They aren’t poisonous or anything are they?

[@rickieoakes5267]

No, they aren't poisonous or venomous. And they are one of the few creatures that eat the slugs.

[@brewkeepyr4647]

​@@rickieoakes5267although they don't possess a true venom gland, they are actually rear-fanged venomous. Still, a completely harmless species and truly one of my favorite North American snakes.

[@j.zackarywright4581]

@@rickieoakes5267 Ah! Thank you! And that is so nice that they eat slugs! I’m surprised there aren’t more of them in gardens 🪴

[@dbbrbc]

I grew up with an acre pond on our property and i enjoyed the frogs my entire life. I did not know all that you've taught us so i find this amazing! Thank you. My mom sold our house so now i must live vicariously through your pond, again thank you. We did have three koi and they were fantastic!! I really miss the pond and all the creatures. Thank you for sharing your amazing knowledge. I truly appreciate all you do.

[@DinDooIt]

Let me guess, your mom was the one who initiated divorce and didn't receive the amount of alimony/child support she was hoping for, thus had to sell your childhood home to continue her lifestyle. How close am I, or am I completely wrong in my assessment?

[@druiden2496]

@@DinDooItare you okay man

[@Quiteinfamous]

@@DinDooIt bro you need to get therapy. You’re clearly holding onto a lot of stuff you need to sort out. You know people move for a multitude of reasons right?

[@dbbrbc]

@@DinDooIt My dad died. And the 5 acres was too much for my mom to take care of in her '70s. So you were wrong all the way around. My parents were together for over 52 years.

[@Quiteinfamous]

@@dbbrbc I’m sorry for your loss and that this person is an idiot. I hope you get your own pond one day 🥰

[@KatmodoDragon]

i'm really thankful for this upload tanner, my depression has hit a low point, and watching this video really made me feel better. thank you for your amazing content.

[@imhotep82]

I hope you get better soon!

[@Grace-qx9dg]

Take care of yourself!

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

Try getting your hands in some dirt, that always helps me. And I also enjoy these sorts of things. I hope you get on the better side of things soon ♥️

[@alliekranyak594]

Seriously they are so,therapeutic! During Covid I watched every single one!

[@aeolian8781]

Serpa pond series is perfect for you at the moment! I hope you are well, get better soon!

[@tylociraptor8131]

This dude out here seeding the lawn with dandelions while my dad breaks his back murdering every last one LOL

[@eliza-pow6189]

Tell your Dad that every part of a dandelion is edible, good for teas, and have amazing medicinal/healthful properties. Tell your Dad that wherever a dandelion is growing, their roots are aerating the soil and they are releasing nitrogen into it as well. The dandelions actually feed a lawn/garden area! 🌻 I let the dandelions proliferate in a yard I care for, since last year. The help they gave to the clover and grass is a blessing. I harvested some dandelion flower heads and added them, with a couple other herbs, into some olive oil. When it's done soaking, I strain it, add some coconut oil, mix well...and that is my full-body-and-face moisturizer and sunscreen (coconut oil is a natural sunscreen). Tell your Dad that there are beautiful pink and white dandelion seeds available (Baker Creek Seeds), as well as the common yellow. These dandelion varieties are grown and highly used in Japan and elsewhere. Tell your Dad that I hope he looks at plants differently now. Our knowledge and use of naturalness was taken from our society back in the late 1800's by the medical/ pharmaceutical corporations. We forgot, but we are remembering again. Tell your Dad I say happy gardening!!! 😄🌻🌻🌻

[@crocodilopolis]

The hate for dandelions is nonsensical 😅

[@Lady_Rhea]

They are an invasive species in North America, and there are indigenous plants that can serve similar purposes. It’s fine to choose to grow dandelions especially if it brings joy, but the hate is also justified, as they are aggressive and will crowd out indigenous plant life and ecosystems. (That said, hating dandelions for making a lawn look weird is a different matter.)

[@Twiddle_things]

​@@eliza-pow6189 they're also great treats for rabbits. My bunnies love dandelion and there's nothing more heartwarming than seeing them graze and get excited when they find a dandelion 🌼

[@Wisepati]

@@Lady_Rhea yes they are because the settlers brought dandelions. They only seem to crowd out things when they are in a lawn. I have wild areas in the dandelions. Don’t do all that well. I just leave them in the lawn and mow them down.

[@podboi825]

IDK if you're using it already but might as well suggest it in case you're not. You really should use a CPL on your lens when you're filming the pond and what's inside it. They're relatively cheap (depending on the brand and filter size) but they greatly reduce all that glare from the sky and make the water way clearer so the footage will have greatly improved contrast. If you're already using it disregard this then lol. I found you randomly on my home page and seeing all your terrariums, tanks, and ponds is really interesting!

[@Norwaycat91]

+

[@irasciblebiitch5608]

I have a pair of phoebes nesting on my porch right now! I've been taking photos of the nest whenever the mama is off hunting - and thankfully - no cowbird parasite eggs here! She had 4 eggs, but at least 2 have hatched. Its rainy here right now so Mama hasn't left the nest yet, so I won't be able to check today. This pond is amazing, and it makes me miss the swamp I used to live next to. All the same sounds, but it wasn't nearly this gorgeous (and it didn't have any fish xD). Great job Tanner! :D

[@SerpaDesign]

Love to hear it! I hope they have a healthy and full brood.

[@vyshakkalavaraphilip9050]

I can't even express how wholesome this was.

[@isweartogoditstrue]

This is an incredible video, so many storylines clearly documented that normally just go completely unnoticed Thank you for the hard work Tanner

[@twoturtletom]

Brown-headed cow birds are rough. I've seen this happen to so many bird nests built near my house. Thanks as always for the great video Tanner.

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

There’s always something to learn as well as a lot of peace and serenity in every one of your videos. Thank you so much, Tanner.

[@rezkifabilla-lw2dr]

from diy terrariums focused channel, to the whole ecosystem documentation, im proud of being one amongs all of your audience Serpa.

[@kallunsheppard2378]

Love the laid-back story telling format. Don't get me wrong I always look forward to your build videos and updates and tours, but this is certainly a good series, and I would like to see more.

[@heatheryarbrough5255]

I love this pond series. Your pond is a magical place, full of beauty and amazing wildlife. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@DaussPlays]

I respect that you didn't intervene with the cowbird; I'm not sure I'd have stayed idle myself once I spotted it, but I recognize that would be me imposing myself on the natural order of things.

[@matthewdebeer8453]

Fair point, but the existence of the pond (and this nesting site) is also something that he created. So there’s already a lot of human influence in this ecosystem.

[@irradiatedsnakes]

it's also incredibly illegal to do so!

[@lynxthewise7233]

@@irradiatedsnakes 😒

[@Viteaification]

​@matthewdebeer8453 humans are a part of the ecosystem in the same way a beaver can change the flow of water in an area. i don't agree with interfering with wildlife squabbles tho. the cowbird has just as much right to survive as any other bird, even if it's mean by human standards

[@Cheezitnator]

The Bob Ross of terrariums is blessing us with a documentary of his lovely pond. Now he's the Jaques Cousteau of ponds.

[@DavidStruveDesigns]

It's amazing just how quickly the news spreads amongst the local frog and toad communities of a new pond location. They seem to have better word-of-mouth speed than even us humans! 😁 Also seeing the insect populations and variety already starting to increase is a fantastic sign! I bet in a year or two you'll have an absolute _cornucopia_ of insects and amphibians and birds and all sorts!! This is why I absolutely adore ponds and gardens that allow their plant life to grow a little more wild than the "traditional" over-mown flat lawns. I think our modern way of doing gardens is a step backwards not forwards for both nature and us alike.

[@robyarrow9690]

The first year I built my pond there was a good number of frogs and toads and other wildlife. Now 10 years on and the life it brings to my gardens are amazing. The gray tree frogs even invade my pool in spring time. It’s fun swimming along with them in the pool and watching their underwater habits.

[@lisawhereisthecultjam]

I love your channel so much. You have enriched me and my children’s lives with your terrarium building teachings and techniques. I cannot thank you enough.

[@jmarshal]

I love these type of catch up videos. Your love for nature and these type of aqua systems is why we love you so much. I’ve been watching your videos for years and you’ve only grown into yourself. You’ve never let algorithms or passing trends to obfuscate who you are and the stories you want to tell. I’m so glad I can be along for your ride. I’ve learned so much and have a new appreciation for this great hobby you’ve gifted me,

[@TygerBleuToo]

This is NatGeo level work. I would watch an entire series about human built ecosystems for wildlife if it existed. Don’t know if you have an agent, but I’d consider getting one. You could absolutely get picked up.

[@pony3284]

That recap bar on the bottom 🤌

[@Tser]

I know that so many people hate cowbirds for what they've evolved to do, because from a human perspective it's diabolical. But anthropomorphizing their behavior doesn't do wild animals justice, and they are fascinating birds in their own right. Their brood parasitism has its place in keeping the ecosystem healthy as well (though human influence may push things out of balance, but that's not the cowbird's fault). And their songs are so unique and strange and beautiful to me. It's too bad about the phoebes, but they will likely raise another brood (though they likely fed the fledgling cowbird for some time after it left the nest, as well).

[@matildarose]

They have the most hilarious courtship dance, too. The male just gets by a female and just ::borb expand::

[@thefroggybannana]

I’m absolutely loving these pond documentaries. It makes me want to save up money and make one for my own house. Master class stuff man

[@Dustydistefano280]

It was wonderful to see how your hobby has provided a refuge for so many organisms being pushed out of so many places in the world. Keep up the great work.

[@Chickenandfriends-dj4vt]

Love the update Tanner! So much life coming back to the pond, awesome to see.

[@jimcol4986]

If I discovered the cowbird egg, I would have gotten rid of it. Great photography for the video!

[@legallyblind393]

It’s so weird to see someone care/protect toads when here in Australia we’re constantly battling to get rid of them!

[@miah4817]

because we have native toads in North America while I'm pretty sure cane toads are incredibly invasive to alot of different places sadly

[@Unfortunately_Mickey]

Yeah it's because he evidently just does not care about invasive species it seems 🙃

[@briar9997]

⁠@@Unfortunately_Mickey those are all Native American frogs and toads tho? Cane toads are a very different situation

[@MDestron2282]

@@Unfortunately_Mickey Those weren't invasive.

[@SerpaDesign]

American Toads (the ones in the video) are native to my area and much of the USA, servings as a keystone species. These are not the Cane Toads (Rhinella marina), which are creating problems in Australia and Florida.

[@mrs.rogers7582]

I have a large pond that supports a lot of frogs and toads. I was getting algae in the pond to where the oxygen levels were being depleated and frogs and fish were dying. I installed an aerator and within a month the large plumes of algae were dying. You have to use a pool skimmer to remove the dead algae. My water is getting clearer after I put in some natural bacteria that eats the pond scum. It's a lot of work. I don't use any chemicals because I want to support the lives of the salamanders and frogs that live there. Nice video. thank you.

[@jagathon777]

Wow! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this video. Very impressive, a lot of work on your part, but what a pleasure to enjoy as an audience. Thank You! Look forward to watching more!

[@SareenMartens]

This video was so captivating, it felt truly like a documentary. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.

[@melaniedavenport4869]

Tanner, you should narrate more nature shows. Your voice is very relaxing and the way you use your vocabulary. I feel like I'm there at the pond.

[@dogloverjb6873]

so cool that you are so wildlife friendly.... love your narration. Nice to see your subscribers so high!

[@VictoriaAllred]

Thank you so much for keeping us updated on the pond! This is my favorite series!

[@Bladavia]

Ever thought of setting up a 24/7 livestream of your pond or the nests ? I love those kinds of streams before going to sleep, watching the wildlife move around

[@Dylpycl]

Thank you so much for including us along the journey

[@gldnsnowflakes]

This video made me emotional

[@ArcherQueenFan69]

Favorite series on KZbin right now by far

[@sarahdee374]

Thanks for sharing the incredible gift you've created. I know nature can be hard. If you spot a cowbird egg in future nests would you remove it, or let nature have her way? It's hard (for me) to not be angry at the cowbirds, although they are just doing what their instincts demand.

[@InnocentGuillotine]

Cowbirds retaliate when their eggs are removed from the host nest, so it would only hurt the hosts more.

[@fallingskies8991]

It’s illegal to remove cowbird eggs from nests. Bird parents are also more likely to abandon the entire nest if an egg is taken out, parasite or not.

[@GalacticNovaOverlord]

​@@InnocentGuillotineDo some falconry then and retaliate against the cowbird. Circle of life.

[@Me-yq1fl]

@@GalacticNovaOverlord That's still illegal.

[@TheSeptemberRose]

Wow! Hard to believe you started out making little terrarium building videos in your parents house. You've come so far!!!!! I ALWAYS look forward to your videos!

[@Hannah-CatLady]

First of all, AMAZING editing job! Second, right when you said that one egg was from a different species my mind immediately went to Wild Kratts! I was like I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, i couldn't think of the name of the bird and had no clue that it would later return to the nest to take out one of the other eggs to give it's own a better chance :0

[@clairelenaghan8987]

serpadesign, you are the only youtuber to keep my attention. I love all your videos so much.

[@morganw.4711]

This whole channel could turn into “Tanner films his ecosystem pond” and I would be happy as a clam. 🥰 I know it won’t, because you’d get bored, but please keep these beautiful videos coming!

[@onestarabove7027]

Wow, I love frogs so this made my day! The varied grammar and music greatly enhanced this production! Your pictures were very clear and entertaining.

[@DeityoftheHills]

Very interesting to see someone so happy to see toads in the pond. Had a fairly large pond growing up, and it was a fight to keep them out every year.

[@tamsyn5850]

I love all your videos, but this is my favorite. You're a great wildlife photographer/narrator!

[@jodyrobinson189]

Love your sense of humor, too bad there are people who don’t have one themselves. I enjoy your channel!

[@PrismaticRevolution]

Knowing that Amphibians are indicators of a good environment it shows how healthy this pond truly is.

[@miyakofuyama]

disney princess? the frogs in my area run for their lives if you get within 2 feet of them

[@OwlOfNivica]

Another gem Tanner, you’re an absolute professional and an artist.

[@atincrab]

Gotta be my favorite ep yet. I'm looking forward to the story continuing to unfold! Go team phoebes!

[@funwithmadness]

Growing up, we had a small pond on our property. Every spring we'd have thousands of toad eggs. Once they mature to tiny, tiny toads, they'll all leave at pretty much the same time. It's pretty cool seeing hundreds of tiny toads just make their pilgrimage from the pond out into the woods nearby.

[@Mommamacnz]

This is amazing to watch. I felt so sorry for the phoebe chicks. In New Zealand we have the shining cuckoo and it does something similar - it lays it's eggs in another bird's nest (usually the grey warbler I think). When the cuckoo chick hatches it then sets to work and gets under the host bird's eggs and gets them out of the nest so it's the only one to survive and be fed by the adoptive parents.

[@theresanessralla1126]

Wow Tanner, this was one of my favorite videos of all time! Thank you for sharing this beautiful Aquascape ecosystem pond and it’s adventures with us!!❤

[@marikah6198]

I love your depiction of the nature and how you captured the scenes. It’s amazing how a pond enriched the ecosystem. I love chirping of Rio Grande Tree frog here in Houston. Maybe you can capture their elusive breeding in camera.

[@420frogo]

I ate this update up! I can’t wait for the next video! Thanks for all the amazing content

[@sarahwatts7152]

I'm loving the evolution here! Plus all this footage is great quality

[@tillywallenstein]

You created such an awesome space there, surrounded by nature. It is truly a piece of paradise.

[@MoldyBones27]

0:52 your turkeys seem darker than the ones here in Oregon. Lucky enough we spotted a baby albino one this year on the property!! Can’t wait to see it grow!

[@MsLeenite]

Love all the footage of the frogs and toads! So sorry for the poor Phoebes.

[@tessastaubly8148]

I didn't get to observe a lot of amphibians this spring, this makes me feel better, seeing so many toads.

[@TheMrjrob7684]

that pond will continue to get better year after year!! awesome work Tanner

[@MeDusa68]

I cannot wait for the next installment.. you are a great storyteller!

[@mightybruno]

Great video. It’s amazing how many species you were able to capture for this post.

[@nshippudennaruto2814]

This was like a nature documentary! Loved it!

[@skrounst]

You have more self control than I do. I 100% would have removed the cowbird egg. I probably would have left it initially with good intentions of letting nature take it's course, but it would have constantly nagged at me in my head... I would have caved for sure. So good job letting nature happen!

[@InnocentGuillotine]

Removing the cowbird egg would risk the mother retaliating against the host species. They don't disguise their eggs, they make the hosts care for the chicks by making the costs of rejecting the cowbird egg too high for most species to consider worth it.

[@rasbowsreptiles7310]

The creativity and amount of work he puts into these videos is amazing.

[@cerisekappes580]

What a gorgeously crafted video 😊😊😊 Love the series ❤😊❤

[@chrisalan5610]

Your backyard is turning into an animal planet show, well done

[@bjszoowildlife4148]

I love the different style of video. Great work and very enjoyable to watch

[@teplonghengfunny]

So good ecosystem pond 😍

[@gianthorsemeatdingdong]

No one recognized 😭

[@KimberAnn72]

Honestly, can say your pond is one of my favorite places. Thank you for sharing it with us all. 💞

[@ismaeltorres3975]

Thanks for all of your informative videos. The birds situation was so sad. 😢 The background music was so intuitive with the the situation.

[@MoldyBones27]

13:02 I know it’s just nature.. but I hate parasitic creatures like that bird… I would have moved its egg to a new place or gave it to the snake…

[@Iamaguienapig]

You should not interfere with nature.

[@MoldyBones27]

@@Iamaguienapig you do realize creating a pond is interfering with nature right..

[@Iamaguienapig]

@@MoldyBones27 You do realise that creating a pond in an otherwise dry area is giving back what we take from nature right?

[@Iamaguienapig]

@@MoldyBones27 You sound extremely uneducated and dense.

[@spookus5430]

Cowbirds sometimes destroy the other eggs if theirs if removed, so it's prob not a good idea

[@IRISnGEN]

The Salamanders can't wait to try the pond out!

[@SerpaDesign]

I can't wait!

[@gregoryb7595]

I admit, I've never heard of the Cowbird before... but wow the info in the video and the comments was certainly enlightening! Sad to see the Phoebe chicks not make it, though. So great to see how quickly the ecosystem is developing!

[@alexwilken7892]

I love this! Documenting these natural processes is educational, and enjoyable. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@joliezac3109]

Incredible ecosystem! I see many of these animals in the wild but it is so incredible to have them right in your backyard. Can't wait to see more!

[@Tuna_the_shark]

this series is so relaxing

[@falcolf]

I thoroughly adore this pond series, congrats on all the frog species!!❤❤

[@josephmoscrip2916]

Frogs and toads have always been a love of mine. Great show.

[@amberbydreamsart5467]

So exciting to see all of the toad eggs!! I hope some frog species had some success too. Little micro-rewilding like this really shows how much of a difference one can make just by making their own yard more friendly to the native inhabitants of the land. I'm in an apartment and our little backyard is close enough to some unmanaged woods that I can't do a ton, but since the closest creek is about a half mile away I'm thinking I might add a birdbath for the birds that have been eating the pests off my vegetable plants.

[@peternijenhuis9472]

We love your pond

[@kennethjorgensen6703]

I hope one day to have the space and capability to do what you do. I live in coastal VA, and I would love to see what kind of fauna would thrive in a pond like this. Thank you for sharing, even the not so happy parts, as it gives us insight on the awesomeness of nature. I can't wait to see how the saga unfolds

[@iancunningham485]

Great storytelling and video