I Built a Wildlife Pond (6-Month Transformation)

[@StefanoIaniro]

If you'd like to see how the nesting season went for some of these birds, you can check out the last video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKmYlWaDrqmSi7s

[@drradska8107]

Thanks, Stefano, always a pleasure to see another upload from you. Great job with the ponds.

[@kittenkat5244]

Can you do an update on your cat??

[@Grave_tyrant]

Pond shape looks like Mongolia

[@Crosswindsaviations]

Do you think you will see the kinglets and brown creepers this winter ?

[@KathyGríffín-l7y]

Would be bad if the EPA decides it's a wetland and fines you for even touching it again be careful 😂 I've seen them do it for seasonal wetlands and the feds crack down

[@geckookid]

babe wake up stefano is showing us his pond again

[@StefanoIaniro]

😄😄

[@aaronbowman5142]

been waiting so long for this

[@stephenmgarcia69]

Me to my boyfriend every time 🙂‍↔️😂

[@FezCaliph]

🙏🏽😂

[@pufferfishboi1]

Yeaaaaaaaaaa😂

[@fflipfflop]

This feels like a BBC-level nature documentary. Amazing shots and amazing work.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you for the kind words, really glad you liked it!

[@RoBA7]

Same idea as immediately came to me too!

[@-DragonTamer-]

How is it that we haven’t seen you on real tv ? You’re awesome. Love what you are doing.

[@GoshenC]

i was about to say that. keep it going.!

[@glennk.7348]

With all due respect, real tv these days doesn’t hold a candle to the content on KZbin. KZbin is where it’s at!

[@deekshithas.d9889]

‘Most intense battle’ is just 2 bros hugging it out 😂

[@StefanoIaniro]

😂 In their world, that was the most important duel of their lives

[@Cyssane]

My husband spent his childhood in the States, and for several years he was living in Florida so he was pretty unfamiliar with most of our wildlife here in eastern Canada. Once when we were dating, we were wandering through a park and heard a green frog croaking. He stopped dead, looked at me and said, "What the hell was that?!" I said, "Oh, just a frog," and he replied (still incredulous): "What kind, the Canadian Banjo Frog?!" I nearly fell over laughing, because it really can sound like someone plucking a banjo string! Ever since then we've called them that name. It's way more descriptive than "green frog" -- think we can convince biologists to change it? 😄

[@StefanoIaniro]

@@CyssaneHahaha, that’s how I first remembered their call. I pictured a Green Frog plucking a banjo

[@benedux]

@@Cyssaneaaah so that’s why frogs are so often drawn playing a banjo 😮

[@jonnyr6092]

I can't be the only one who imagined the Guile theme playing at that part.

[@welleplacebo]

А fox picking an apple from a tree, that was something! Made my Sunday evening!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Mannasoban]

As an aquatic ecology student this video is both entertaining and insightful at the same time

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's so great to hear! Good luck with your semester!

[@katiefleece]

Ah! I like to think that an alternate-universe version of me knows all *I* know now about native ecologies went to school for aquatic ecology. If I had guaranteed social resources and security, I would go back to school in this lifetime in a heartbeat. All that to say, I think you're so lucky to be studying something that feels like magic to me!

[@JacobMoss-p6e]

Thank you so much for genuine care for wildlife and native plants its hard not to get sad when i see how peaple treat the land and to see you make nature look like nature makes me happy

[@StefanoIaniro]

So kind of you to say, thank you!

[@thomashecht71]

Stefano, like others were writing: this is a one-man BBC-level documentary. But it‘s also a one-man WWF-level nature preservation activity. You are doing such an awesome, inspiring work here. It’s because of people like you that I still have some hope in mankind.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you for the encouraging words, it reall means a lot!

[@VT-Scribbles]

I know it might sound silly, but this series has genuinely brought me a lot of peace during this awful year. It's been nice to think about how it's thriving, and to look forward to what updates will come next. I've always wanted to live this sort of life- creating little ecosystems for animals, but my knowledge and money ceiling make that impossible. So, living vicariously through this has been... nice. Thank you for making these videos, and for sharing this amazing, living world with everyone.

[@SkylarkFields]

I couldn't have put this better myself and echoes my thoughts exactly.

[@VT-Scribbles]

@@SkylarkFields Sometimes it's nice to have a little thing to look forward to- to know that even when your stuff is falling apart, there's something out there that's thriving, evolving, and you get to watch it change and grow if you just stick it out and wait patiently. Wish there were more projects like this :'>

[@josepsamarrafarre]

If I have to choose between watching the depressing news cycle and watching the cycle of life in Stefano Ianiro's pond, there's no doubt in my mind which one I absolutely need to watch. Great job as always!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Haha, so kind, thank you!

[@gayandvibing9743]

There's something so special about the dramatic musical build up leading to the gentle water splashing, hugging, and what sounds like when a kid makes a guitar out of rubber bands and a shoe box

[@StefanoIaniro]

Haha, so glad you enjoyed that part

[@DavidCordon-l4q]

I have greatly missed your videos - great work

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!

[@antoniahubancheva7907]

I'm a bat researcher and a field-work savvy that was stuck due to sickness in downtown Paris for the past year and a half. I can't thank you enough for your videos - they're my little getaway! I cry and laugh and get excited about every little creature that find its home in your property. PS I'm sorry you didn't have luck with the bats yet, but I promise you - no bat in their right mind will miss such biodiverse ecosystem. They will come ❤

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad you're enjoying the videos and I hope you're doing well :)

[@JB-eg1tb]

"How you intend them to be used and how they're actually used are sometimes two different things" (5:17) That right there is some wise words! Nice to see you back with another video! Seeing the progress of the homes you created for wildlife is impressive. This must be what its like not having any nosy neighbors who like to complain-- you get to build what you want!

[@TM29329]

You’re easily one of my favorite KZbinrs ever! Not only are you saving wildlife but also are able to make the videos super interesting! Much love brother!

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's great to hear, thank you!

[@duccc]

Happy to hear that fox pup had recovered nicely and see the other fox still doing well. Watching their growing really gets me emotional. Thanks for the update, I just joined the membership. It's not much but I hope you will have enough support to continue doing this for a long time.

[@StefanoIaniro]

So kind of you! And thanks for the support. Anything from the membership goes towards projects - wildflowers, wood for nest/den boxes, etc. So every bit helps! :D

[@kittenkat5244]

​@@StefanoIaniro Please do an update on your cat🙂

[@bambinaforever1402]

@@kittenkat5244yeah, i have been asking him the same FOR MONTHS . Probably the kitty is no more.😢

[@andrewromero5008]

For a city slicker, like myself, all of this is so amazing! Thank you for sharing your homestead with us.

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad to hear, thank you for watching

[@laggybum3218]

I worked at a college once and I helped put in a little fish pond. At its deepest it was only 2 1/2' to 3' deep and maybe 12' across. It had a small water fall to circulate the water. We had some small Koi in there. One spring a Blue Heron showed up and at all the fish out of it! We restocked the pond in late summer/early fall and the fish survived the winter. The next spring the Heron showed up again and ate all the fish again. This time we waited a couple of years before restocking it. The Heron hadn't showed back up before I left that job. It was the closest thing I have ever done that comes close to what you are doing Stefano and I really wish I could do to it again, but on a larger scale. I don't think my apartments landlord would be happy with me if I did it.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Wow, sounds like an amazing place! I do hope you get the chance to work on something similar in the near future 🙂

[@HemantSirova]

This is what internet was made for. Watched it with family,thanks Sir.

[@duckypam]

How wonderful to have a bittern! What a yard bird

[@StefanoIaniro]

Agreed! I've had them as fly overs before, but this was way more satisfying.

[@CapzVerse]

The dedication and hardwork these projects require is enourmous but the results of all of them are definetly worth it. Love your channel you inspire loads of people including myself❤️ Good luck in the future Stefano!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Very kind of you, thank you!

[@Favorye]

it is so good to see a Human caring for and improving the nature around him instead of destroying it. Thank you for your videos they are always really good to watch. Greetings from France👋

[@nataliadamian9376]

Amazing video as always. I'm so glad your caring for the wildlife!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!

[@vyomrane7865]

DUDE MY TIMMING IN IMPECCABLE, I WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS CAHNNEL LIKE A DAY AGO, AND THEN YOU DROP. YEAHHHHHH

[@StefanoIaniro]

Great timing!! ENjoy :)

[@Charrbonic]

@@StefanoIaniro damn you are such a sweet person :]

[@steviewanderer]

15:30 This is how you coexist with the rest of nature. What a great example and source of inspiration this bloke is!

[@jonnyr6092]

The footage of the foxes always gets me because it looks like it could have been taken just a short walk away from my home all the way over here in Scotland. They're incredibly similar in both looks and behaviour to ours.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Funny how little they've have changed, even being separated after all of this time.

[@anhu6780]

My favourite channel on this platform. Thanks for uploading.

[@StefanoIaniro]

So kind, thank you!

[@ormapa1206]

The frogs and the foxes were really beautiful.

[@AquaticBaboon]

This is one of the best series online! Love seeing the progress of the homestead

[@jergensroetz]

Finally! it's been a while. Thank you Stefano for blessing us with another amazing video!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much for watching

[@juanitakelly3082]

Your love and knowledge of nature is so admirable, and the top-notch video production is just divine. Thanks for sharing your hard work with us!

[@darlingicarus]

that dragonfly footage was incredible, documentary-level stuff! I also loved the footage of the little caddisfly larvae dramatically toppling over at 11:48 😂

[@StefanoIaniro]

Haha the caddisfly larva are so goofy looking sometimes

[@davidhuth5659]

Love seeing your success! Your video work is brilliant! In my area we have lost bats, chimney swifts, night hawks, grey tree frogs, American toads, katydids, crickets and fireflies. It feels like Silent Spring is here and all the sounds of summer are gone.

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's such a shame. I'm hearing that more and more in recent years.

[@novampires223]

The same thing with parts of the Willamette Valley near Portland. My 25 nesting pair of swallows are gone, there are no insects there, I called Audubon, they pretty much shrugged..😢

[@davidhuth5659]

@@novampires223 Very sad.

[@jojoba11]

Honestly, Stefano, this video deserves an Oscar! Not only do you collect amazingly beautiful footage, it's super educational as well. So glad the little fox was able to recover.

[@mohammadmahdi2510]

Stefano is singlehandedly trying to ensure that all these species survive and thrive. Thank you!!

[@lukestoolbox]

I absolutely LOVE your content! The drone shots, nature, animals, narration, videography, machinery... it's all just perfection😍 needless to say, you played quite a role in me starting to make videos aswell✌🏼 happy sunday!!

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's awesome, wishing you luck with your videos!!

[@deepbluetree]

This is the absolute best! I ran over to my sister and shouted that Stefano has another video out! Love following along and it is inspiring me to try and make my own little wildlife pond

[@Jacob-qr8pl]

I am so happy I found your channel over a year ago now! Your videos are so great. What makes me happy too is the growth I've had birding. When the Phoebe was shown, I said to myself, "That's a flycatcher. Maybe a Phoebe?" and you confirmed it! When you showed the Cardinal Flowers, I was like, "Those are gonna be great for hummingbirds" and I was right again! I love all of your videos, not just the birds. The ponds you have made are great! I'm glad your other pond is still great for the surrounding wildlife even without the pump running. I feel better that you don't need to run electric for it. Great work everywhere! Love it!

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's awesome! Birding really is a gateway to many other groups in the natural world. You're bound to go down quite the rabbit hole haha

[@madscosmusmossin04]

Your garden is absolutely stunning

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks!

[@lucid2957]

So glad you were able to get the fox kit help, I hope she's able to make it through her injuries :(

[@cyh6092]

Glad to see you again. I didn't know foxes or any canine could climb trees!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks! And this was the first year I’ve seen them do that. Funny enough, I also saw groundhogs in spring climbing shrubs and small trees to feed on fresh buds. I guess something is in the air

[@catherinefromchristchurchn6508]

Wonderful as always, thank you again.

[@sueg2658]

Terrific progress! I appreciate you for sharing your amazing progress with us. And I hope you put up more bat boxes. I think most people unfortunately have a misconception and fear of bats. You build it and they will come 😉🦇♥️ I always learn so much from watching. Thank you 👍🏻♥️

[@StefanoIaniro]

The plan is to put out more for next year! I'm determined to get them haha

[@timeneses]

Im happy the foxes returned! ❤

[@pisceanogre]

I would call that pond quite a success. I know you wanted to completely dry up and like you said some years it might, but I think it dries up enough that it will just be a great improvement for a wide variety of plant and animal and insect species, good job

[@justaguy6862]

Man, this is awesome. Thanks for your great work and for keeping this video record of it. This should be mandatory viewing in all of our schools!

[@BPS-Account]

I loved the underwater footage of the swimming beetles

[@bambinaforever1402]

That was incredible

[@strawb_short_cake]

It's insane how quickly and beautifully this pond came together 🥹❤️ you put so much thought into what the land might need, and you have such great appreciation for every small part of those delicate eco systems. Not just the animals, but the insects, plants, and even the bacteria 😂 Seeing nature slowly fall into this harmonious rhythm is so beautiful and rewarding ❤ I am super excited for future pond updates!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Really happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you :)

[@Barb.....]

Probably the only channel I make sure I switch over to 4K before I watch. As always, thanks for sharing!

[@jaykay225]

Pure joy when I see a new video from you

[@stevenkeller3047]

I love the work you're doing on your land and watching your videos. Your videography is amazing.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!

[@walterfornoni]

Every video you make is a masterpiece; the visuals and storytelling are both fantastic. Please keep it up!

[@amymoore1427]

Absolutely fantastic footage of the damselflies and caddisflies. Thank you so much for another fantastic video. I get so excited when you post

[@StefanoIaniro]

Really glad you enjoyed seeing them!

[@johnfoster6110]

Beauty! I love your videos and I’m happy to see how many people love them as well. Thank you.

[@hannahlhero3652]

My fiancé and I love these videos so much, thanks for sharing

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for watching :)

[@is2daytuesday]

So good ! Amazing production and editing ! Love the Apple Fox 15:52 - very smart !

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks!

[@AlmostaGreenAcre-zs5eu]

What a beautiful video Stefano. I love how this is all coming together for you with such diversity and more to come as everything gets established. Well done and I love this 💕👏

[@Nphen]

Amazing look at this (mostly) temporary pond. I feel like it has all the benefits of a vernal pond with no downsides. Enough area seems to have dried up for mud flats with plant growth. The mammals, reptiles, birds & amphibians all seem to enjoy having a smaller, more secluded & protected water source late in the season. We need little projects like this to be set aside in city parks & school yards. Spend the tech money building camera drones so kids can see the wildlife without disturbing it.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! And great ideas. Especially if the soil is right, this is a really simple project.

[@duviduviduviduvi]

Your channel is one of my favorites, the photography, the project, and your story telling is so captivating and inspiring. Thank you for this beautiful videos.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!

[@henkvandenbergh1301]

Thank you Stefano! Christmas came early this year. 🙂

[@StefanoIaniro]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@Yeah-wf8rp]

I always love seeing your videos!! Helps me relax

[@StefanoIaniro]

SO happy to hear, enjoy!

[@ptownneal]

Absolutely wonderful! Thanks for the update Stefano! ❤ 🦊🍎

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for watching!

[@MikeKXu]

Genuinely missed seeing these videos as it reminds me of home while I live across the pond. Please keep it up!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Happy to bring you some familiar species. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@matthijsbergijk]

Love your vids! So great to see all progression!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much!

[@maureenbeckstead6407]

Good explanation of what a vernal pond is. Great evolution of habitat to full use.

[@doubledee8677]

As ever, I wonder when the next video is going to come and not long after it arrives. And it's always a treat that leaves me eager for the next one.

[@rremon98]

Wow the Diversity. First time seeing the fly mating. The frog sumo fight is also funny. The kitty foxes has grown up and seeing them stealing apple was fun. Hope that fox become healthy and see her again. Thanks for the video again.

[@sherriianiro747]

I never knew a pump on a pond deters tadpoles! The vernal pond is such a good idea and is imperative for a healthy ecosystem. Keep up the Good Work!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! It doesn't deter the tadpoles necessarily, but they could accidentally get sucked up in the pump. I have a cover for the pump, but don't want to risk it

[@MAC-op5fc]

What an incredible project. Your videography and photography are incredible.

[@liesbetdecoster7524]

I love your job of rescui'ing multiple animal specie's from extinction!!!❤

[@maxvanl3901]

You have no idea how much I enjoy these

[@nancynottage7255]

Thank you for another fascinating learning experience through your excellent camera work. I loved learning about dragon and damsel flies, as well as the other insects and amphibians you featured.

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad you enjoyed! Thank you!

[@ros7754]

Thanks for showcasing us the pond progress. Amazing educational content and production quality. Documentary worthy :)

[@StefanoIaniro]

Very kind, thanks!

[@erikstaffeleu5897]

Watching this from The Netherlands. I love your storytelling and ability to make beautiful wildlife shots. Thx.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!

[@thefakebluejay5394]

great video! i loved seeing the time overlap between the vernal pond and the birds nesting. i always get SO excited when you mention the bat boxes, i can’t wait to see the bats when they come in- which im sure they will! don’t give up!! my favorite shots were of the great blue heron, the bittern, and the red fox in the apple tree. the cutaway from the caddisfly larvae to the frog was hilarious. amazing work!!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! Definitely won't be giving up any time soon. I'm actually putting out more boxes next year to up the chances of us getting some bats!

[@thefakebluejay5394]

@@StefanoIaniro sounds awesome!!

[@carols1406]

Congratulations on a successful first year for the pond. I look so forward to these updates. Fabulous cinematography! Do you know if the fox kit will be returned to your area once it is rehabilitated?

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks! We offered to release it here if they needed a spot, so we'll wait and see :)

[@CJ-BZ]

love the progress. looking forward to what winter brings

[@BBD1]

Love your project and your video! I would only add a bit more ambient sound from the pond Great work! (From europe)

[@transplantman2287]

What I love about these videos is that even though I live in Japan and have different plants and animals, I can still use the information about habitats and life cycles. ❤

[@noeraldinkabam]

This is so great! I had a flashback to 50 years back when nature was still close to home even in fast growing cities. My country is plowed over completely, no exaggeration. A place like yours is only for the uberwealthy here but still, my garden is my sanctuary and I live in the quietest place I have ever experienced. The song of frogs can be heared when it’s their time to sing and I’m here to enjoy it. I truly enjoy your land too, thank you for that.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Sad to hear, but your area sounds like a wonderful place for wildlife

[@HappyBell92]

Great video as always, they always make my day. How is little Sparrow doing?

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks! She's great, the juncos are moving through and they're one of her favorite birds to watch from the window haha.

[@Quaking_Aspen]

YES! NEW VIDEO!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Hope you enjoy!

[@perfectpairing9088]

5:58 Most of your flowers haven’t bloomed this year so they’re probably not as attracted, you’ll probably have better luck next year! You’re doing pretty much everything you can to attract and support them so don’t worry :> The only thing I can think of that would be an additional help for the bats would be to plant flowers that are easy to spot at night like foam flower, common elder berry, and buttonbush

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! I’m really excited to see the flowers blooming next year 🙂

[@perfectpairing9088]

@@StefanoIaniro Also as someone who is a little too obsessed with ponds and aquariums, I think adding in some native crawfish to the vernal pool would be perfect! They love to nest in shallow pools like this and I’m sure the raccoons and water fowl would be more than appreciative :> From my research there’s about six native to your location and I found a seller that mentioned the White Virile crayfish, a native, specifically, a company by the name of Toledo Goldfish. If you don’t want to since crayfish are a know predator of tadpoles, I understand, but I would recommend adding them to the other ponds as well

[@staz6881]

Love the animals and progressions videos!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@his-dudeness]

It's amazing - see that from other side of the planet and be exited about some frogs, birds and bugs in rural Canada. Keep it coming, winter is the best time to edit videos. :)

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! Yup, edit videos and plan for the coming year~

[@janeparkhill4828]

Just brilliant, as usual!! Cannot wait for more.

[@TobiasDettinger]

You created so much life! You are a true hero!!! And inspire me so much building a lake for myself!

[@chriscarlsen2100]

Wow! This was some National Geographic videography! How you captured those dragonflies hoovering and then mating was awesome. Sorry to hear the red foxes aren't having a great year, but happy to hear the one you took to a rehabber is doing better? Will they let you release it back on your property? Thank you for such an awesome video. I learned a lot.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! We offered to release it back on the property if they needed a place. So we'll wait and see!

[@AlTheJack]

In the middle of the frenzy of KZbin, your videos are a real blessing. I never know when the next video is going to appear and it always feel like Christmas. It is also simply beautiful and so inspiring. Thanks so much !

[@thisisme1999]

Never fails I learn something new to me. Thank you so much for sharing this project with us. It is by far one of my favorite posts. Have a great winter and share when you can.

[@LaikasFriend]

yayy, i'm so happy to have caught this early!

[@davidsneddon2242]

So detailed and informative Stefano. Fantastic.

[@davidnierzwick2775]

I look forward to all, ALL, your updates! 😀

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!

[@brandonboulton2776]

Been waiting for this.😊

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for waiting!

[@kynasnyder7646]

This is incredible camera work Stefano. I hope you take pride in what you create on so many different levels. Learning about the insects and watching them was truly a gift. You have a generative spirit and we get to benefit from it. Many thanks.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Very kind of you to say, thank you!

[@oopsallluke]

love seeing your videos appear on my homepage

[@lucasbyeon7932]

Stefano with another BANGER

[@maggiemagpie6863]

This is my favorite youtube channel. From the creative and inspiring home projects to the interesting insight into ecology and species, it’s exactly up my alley. P.S. The contrast of the low quality, no music, very underwhelming frog fight is gold. Keep up the amazing work!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Haha glad you appreciated that!

[@Sisteryoda1440]

These videos are such a treat! Superb cinematography and you’re so knowledgeable. It’s heartening to see how some TLC can restore an area. Thanks for taking us along!

[@C____G]

This was a wonderful update on the vernal pond, thank you! I'm so happy it turned out well, even if it didn't dry up completely as planned. I wasn't expecting fox news and my heard skipped a beat when you said your partner found the fox kit by the road...then the kit was so bad off that you had to take it inside and bring it to an animal rehab center! Thank goodness it ended up recovering!

[@centurione6489]

Your projects are always exciting and well thought through.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!