Building a Wildlife Pond for Amphibians

[@first_glennie]

I'm dying at 8:36 when we see the "after" of the robin's work. She looks so proud and like she's staring directly into the camera like "Yeah, I built this, pretty cool, huh?"

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Hahaha

[@SlartiMarvinbartfast]

I always find it astonishing just how much work goes into building a bird's nest, and of course they often end up looking very well constructed and very comfortable. Beautiful photography Stefano and I love what you are doing over there. I wish a lot more people in the world had your caring mindset when it comes to nature.

[@traildude7538]

@@SlartiMarvinbartfast I've seen robin's nests, but I never realized how long it takes them to build one!

[@BoliVic96]

I'm just so glad this channel exist, the tippy tapping of the nest building was just precious

[@audjusushi]

The Robin's little stomps!!! ❤

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Haha the best!

[@user-zz5ov2kf5e]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead i assume they do that so the mud becomes solid and hard, right?

[@PuffPiastri]

I see a Mr. Stefano video, I click.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Haha, so kind. Thank you!

[@silasfoulon]

Exactly what I did now lol😅👍

[@davidnierzwick2775]

Same 💪😃👍

[@tylerhuestis1733]

I click, then I click on like button

[@Swingman7000]

That’s what I’m sayin’!

[@justanothera1749]

when i grow up i too hope to start a homestead like this - you're a huge inspiration to many teenagers like me :) thanks a ton

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That's awesome! Good luck on your future homestead!

[@openwrtguru247]

That's my goal. However, my job doesn't allow to work too far from any big cities.

[@Cosmic_Nova1]

Fr, I’d love a life like this. I have a small taste of nature though since there’s two zebra doves that come to our balcony to get fed.

[@lanthung]

Real

[@Stop4ThemSneks]

Dude, a pond like this in the oaks here in Cali, have tiger sals and newts… the dream

[@89cw]

Stefano, thanks for teaching me something new. Prior to this video I knew nothing about vernal ponds. Can't wait to see how this feature aids in your property's diversity!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So glad to hear you're enjoying the videos, thank you!

[@Grdiang3l]

Same! Curious how much maintenance it'll be or is it set to go now until the foreseeable future?

[@Theonewhothought]

I live in a very suburban area so I don't get to see vareity species of anything. You're videos is a really refreshing view of the natural beauty of the world. Like you, I try to protect and help the animals already in my area. Even if it's just a couple native garden lizards I'm making shelter and providing water to, its so pleasing to see the help provided give light to new life. Each year I enjoy seeing baby lizards exploring my planted yard. I can't imagine what it's like seeing all the hard work you're putting into your acres of beautiful land come to fruition. Way to go!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Must be very rewarding to see baby lizards, so cool!

[@ellikotten9213]

As a biologist, both as a profession but also as a hobby, your videos are a treat! Thank you!

[@CG_2017]

You've really inspired us to evaluate our own ways to support local wildlife on our property!! TYSM

[@ahveganpizzabella]

7:55 MISS ROBIN STOMPING THE NEST TIPPY TAPPING HER WAY DIRECTLY INTO MY HEART 😭😭😭😭 Thank you Stefano for this gift of the precious sound, we are never taught that bird moms stomp that mud into shape when building nests! For the fish, I vote small fish preferably native, that are able to breed in such a small pond. Otherwise you will have to restock it every year to make the kingfishers come over. Hopefully your ponds will lure kingfishers away from fish farms so they wont get poached by angry farmers...

[@nordiskkatt]

Your videos are always such an absolute joy. Beautiful photography, entirely pleasant voice-over, and the sheer pleasure of watching nature do its thing. Thank you so much for making these, they always brighten my day.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

SO glad you enjoy the videos, thank you!

[@driss409]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead What's not to enjoy, this is objectively a top tier channel, you can see a lot of work goes into the videos. Keep it up man :D

[@sandamalifernando8235]

This person bought and and gave a expensive homestead back to nature. This world needs more peaple like this 😊

[@ImCold-le4lq]

people❌ peaple✅

[@ryan160]

As someone who loves plants, especially native plants I would love a video that just covers all the different species around the property!

[@DrippingtheDrop]

Great idea with the vernal pond! As for the trout stocking, I vote for the smaller ones. I would love to see some kingfisher action! Also, really cool being able to witness birds up close and personal building nests. Thanks for sharing this awesome wildlife footage with us!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks Buddy! I agree, the Kingfisher would be epic to see fishing in the pond each day.

[@cherryAnarchist]

I think if it was possible, a mix of both could be best, to attract big and small predators.

[@Sisteryoda1440]

@@cherryAnarchist I like that idea too!

[@christianespinal9913]

Keep it up, Stephano. This channel is such a gift.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!

[@Meganlodon111]

This has become my favorite channel, the care and effort you put into the world around you and your videos shines. Thank you so much for your content

[@andrewsmith3121]

Always enjoy your videos!! I really appreciate how you share your wealth of knowledge as to how and why you do your projects. I share all of them with my wife and now she has started looking at different properties and mentioning how we could have a pond, wildflowers, fruit trees and she even wants to build a sunken blind like you had previously, since we both are avid bird and wildlife photographers too. Keep the videos coming....more, more, more!!! 😊 I understand your projects take time, and then there is the whole video production process, so I'm just being selfish and teasing, but will never complain if you do upload more, even if they are shorter. 🙂

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That's amazing, I'm wishing you luck on your future projects! Haha, yeah I wish there was more time in a day to work on these!

[@CheyenneSedai]

I love those closeups we get of the animals because there's no other way you'd see something like that.

[@jonnordquist]

Stefano, I’ve been working for years documenting what remains of Michigan’s primeval pine stands and old growth forests. The forest of yesteryear is maturing and new giants are emerging. Through the ax, the saw, the plow, fire, wind, and ice, life remains! Thank you for returning your land back to what it once was, generations ago. Let us undo the destruction, replant what was lost, and heal the earth back to her natural state.

[@pollinatorgardenfun]

That Robin building the cup! 😍

[@Charrbonic]

Man, thank you so much for creating such beautiful things. I find myself falling into negativity online more often than not, and you provide solitude and inspiration and move my KZbin recommendations in a better direction :)

[@georgiasumby6092]

You are the best type of person to have bought this type of property. You’ve been diversifying the wood and the land so much and it’s wonderful to see. I’m a huge fan of anyone buying large plots of land and diversifying it make it a sanctuary for the animals

[@kristianwade198]

Gotta be the best KZbinr…excellent videography, photography, commentary, scenery, ecology…all the y’s!

[@munzeerahmed2726]

Take care and be careful always Stefano ♥

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Be well!

[@fray6258]

Stefano, you're being a good human. Thank you.

[@tytyguy22]

Gosh, I love it here. Please never stop making these. Living through you!

[@NIH1966]

I keep coming back in the hopes of an update. This channel is truly inspiring. The photography is absolutely beautiful. And the editing and story telling is so compelling. I am so impressed by what you have accomplished on your property, and am hoping to hear about more developments. Thank you for your dedication to wildlife!

[@causticjay]

This is my new favourite series, I live on the other side of the world so it is so interesting to see all the native wildlife you get! Very jealous of your amphibian diversity.

[@seidmadur]

The amount of thinking and consideration that go into all you do is legendary. Good job!

[@cocoeasy7937]

I appreciate so much how much care you put into reintroducing native species and encouraging biodiversity - lots of people just want the aesthetic but don’t do any research what would be best for the ecosystem. Maybe one day you could make a video how you approached this, so other amateurs can create a garden/homestead that‘s beneficial to nature :)

[@zarinaromanets7290]

Can't wait to own property someday and do whatever I can in the vein of supporting critters. It's amazing how interconnected they all are and how resilient they can be despite our constant human development. Can't wait to see how tbe site continues to develop, and thank you for the quality production and engaging education!

[@diamondcoin]

This guy is the TOP G, can't wait to see what's next.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Very kind, thank you!

[@Mat-ii4pj]

This is just so beautiful and inspirational, we should all strive to live in more harmony with nature since we tend to forget that we are also a part of it :)

[@jujubee7351]

What a joy to watch !

[@willegard2]

You´ve inspired me to do more for the wildlife around my house! Thanks! Best regards

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That's great! Good luck with your projects!

[@888ettio]

Can’t wait for the next video!

[@thewolfobsessedloli]

This is truly the kind of life I want when I get older. I don’t know how I’ll be able to make it happen or make it happen at all but I truly want this life with nature.

[@WistyFish]

So wild that I just found your channel yesterday and binged a bunch of videos and then you upload today

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Good timing! Hope you enjoy this one

[@YusssoM]

Man how serene it is watching your videos. Thanks for making and sharing this video!

[@yuuki8075]

Could you make a shorts with the Robin's little chirps and tappy-taps as she builds the nest? Its just too adorable and i wanna watch nonstop 🤗🤗

[@AleksandrMotsjonov]

All your videos are a treat. Thank you for doing this.

[@Nphen]

Amazing work! You take marginal land and turn it into an eco-haven. I wish more people understood problems with pine plantations the way you do. In Germany, people protested an abandoned cardboard farm getting cut down for an EV factory. Yes, there were bats and maybe a total of 6 non-insect species there. A natural forest would have dozens of birds and other higher species. Michigan has so much rural land that lends itself to projects like this being integrated in a permaculture farm which produces food for both people & wild animals.

[@iamtheshaker]

Ugh I'm ready for a summer update Stefano!! No doubt you've been too busy enjoying your wildlife

[@headswillroll89]

These videos are awesome. I love how much you love all animals. I hope this summer has been a fun one for you. I'm excited too see the brush pile progression with vines. I'm interested too see the middle after a couple of years, I hope you have that in you

[@perfectpairing9088]

5:59 I would say instead of restocking the pond with trout, you should aim for fish species that can thrive and breed in the pond to create a natural ecosystem that would benefit everything around the pond. I suggest starting out by stocking prey fish first, like bluegills flathead minnows etc., to start the process of populating and attract predatory bird species like the kingfishers. Later you can and predatory fish like big mouth bass to for balance and some catfish for general bottom feeding. Hope this helps!

[@jinxedkodiak4942]

I have a strong pair of eastern phoebes who nest under my house's upstairs balcony yearly. They are such a joy to watch flit about and hunt nearby! I can't wait to see what new birds arrive as spring develops into summer!

[@vidwitch1508]

8:03 oh my gosh is that noise their feet tapping down the mud- I love that sm✨✨✨ sounds so goofy but looks really effective:))

[@rinzfish1358]

I absolutely love your videos - I can watch them for days nonstop. What you are doing is what I want to do!

[@masonbillington2641]

Iv just bought a property in the uk with just over an acre of woodland this channel has really inspired me to invite nature into my home loving the series!!

[@Mannasoban]

Thank you from Bangladesh❤

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@JenniferSchoone]

Bedankt

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Really appreciate the support! Thank you!

[@elitewilson1943]

I love the wildlife and i could never find anyone until I found you I love your videos and they match my interest perfectly

[@subhadramahanta452]

loved it! please keep them coming!

[@cyh6092]

Wonderful camera work!

[@davidnierzwick2775]

Your videos are truly fun and amazing! Thank you.

[@ba42w79]

My brother in law has a homestead. He’s getting buzz boys! Bees! I’m so excited to visit lol

[@JustAnotherAccount8]

Birds are such fascinating creatures. They very often get ignored or treated as a nuisance, especially pigeons and seagulls, but just watching them is such a treat.

[@nealfharris]

Another GREAT video Stefano! May I suggest you'd get more 'milage' out of smaller stocked trout. Love the Robin's nest building sounds! Thanks Stefano! ❤

[@fragrantforestofthesource]

I’m so happy about the progress. You’re really giving it your all! 👏👏👏

[@danielbotsko4478]

Anymore videos coming soon?!!

[@Taylor_the_birder]

There better be

[@jons5898]

If you plant catchable size trout you’ll definitely get the attention of the Ospreys if they’re nesting nearby, last year I got to watch an adult teaching a juvenile how to snag a dead and floating perch off the lake while I was fishing. In the fall I’ll occasionally see one flying over with a red (spawning) Kokanee salmon in its talons from the river nearby.

[@zisaletter4602]

gosh i hope people get inspired by this sort of thing! rewilding is so so necessary in this day and age

[@joeyd0923]

I have the biggest goofiest smile in the world when I watch your videos. Thank you Stefano, for all that you do for nature and us! I love watching all the different species of animals pass by and nest in and around your property!

[@prairie2gem]

I watch, I learn, I smile. Thank you for all your editing and narrating efforts, the end result is captivating. You are an amazing steward of land and wildlife.

[@jamescross8926]

You videos are always such an enthralling watch - As someone that lives in a built up area of the UK, I find overwhelming joy in watching you encourage such a diverse and beautiful array of animals back to your property. The world needs more people like you sir 🤟

[@IXAirwalkerXI]

You are the reason to believe in humans. You are the person people think about when thinking about saving the world. You're a true inspiration and you make such valuable content that helps other people copy your wonderful ideas. Your channel is gold among all the others. From the bottom of my heart - thank you.

[@Thegrrog]

I love this type of video, it’s so relaxing and entertaining. Funny story: my mom has these hanging flowers in our garden. Well apparently they were the perfect home for a pair of Cardinals. They made a nest and had three healthy chicks. It was pretty cool. As for the trout situation, might want to consider what you want out of your fish. If you’re looking for a breeding population then go with the larger ones. Want to attract more wildlife go with the bigger ones. Or if possible do a mix of big and small.

[@johnfoster6110]

Stefano, I enjoy reading and agreeing with all of the wonderful comments about you and your videos, almost as much as your videos. You are a wonderful inspiration to me and I look forward to all of your new videos. All the best to you!

[@404-usernotfound6]

I genuinely love the calm nature of your videos keep up the great work its always a pleasure to watch

[@est_elle_w4571]

Thankyou for the video and the hard work you put into transforming the property. Seeing the Robin build her nest made me so happy. Glad that frogs are already laying in the vernal pond.

[@andyroo9381]

Nature is so amazing! Can't wait for your next video.

[@fimpero994]

Absolutely adore these! Love from the UK

[@Rekrutt2012]

i almost skip a little in every video i see now and then, but this is one of the few videos i rarely get on my recomended i have not skipped in. Thank you for this video, big like and subscribe here from Denmark :)

[@cathy6508]

For the Trout pond you might think about adding some old cement pipes for the fish to hide in so they don't all get eaten, plus add some reeds around the edge of the pond. sunken logs branches those sorts of debris are good habitat for your fish to hide.

[@MoinuddinMondal-l3t]

the wildlife pond's water is very pure

[@Seewalks]

My two favorite birds! Osprey and King Fisher. I think stocking smaller trout is the way to go. Will encourage more predators (which I'm a fan of) and will still provide the numbers to ensure some, the smart ones, thrive and get larger. Can't wait to see your progress!

[@Inconsistent-Dogwash]

I love watching all the effort you’re making for wildlife just thinking if we all did the world would be a better place. On a different note, I have a friend who does bat surveys but in the UK.

[@alanjohnson2613]

We had one of these ponds close to me growing up loved the spring peepers music to my ears

[@ESwift-Arts]

Wonderful stuff, so glad I happened upon your video! I had a Phoebe under my pool deck last summer who also built a few dummy nests. It was awesome to see her raise and fledge four healthy chicks! As a flycatcher phoebes love to nest near bodies of water that attract flying insects so I’m sure they’ll be quite happy with your pond and vernal pool

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks! Yeah they hunt around the vernal pond every day. I'm thinking of calling it the Phoebe Pond hahaha.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

I was subscribed from day one, Stafano, but discovered today that I was no longer subscribed. So I did it again. I always look forward to each installment of your nature videos and don't want to miss one.

[@kiko7247]

What a privilege to live in such gorgeous place, surrounded by nature. Thank you, Stefano, your videos are always amazing, high quality and engaging.

[@StueyMonster]

Fingers crossed the videos become more frequent through this year, I really look forward to them. Thanks Stefano.... you're living the dream!

[@gingermartl3585]

Your videos are honestly my favourite on KZbin right now, it's always a highlight when one pops up in my feed :)

[@jakelangevin301]

I love your vids and have shared them to most of my family at this point:) my mom loves these things

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That's awesome! I appreciate the support :)

[@naturesaffiliate]

Definitely go with the smaller 100 fish. You'll get more bird life as you said and I think you will get more bang for your buck with the 100. Alternatively go for the bigger ones and find another complementary smaller fish that works kind of like a bait fish. Like I have tilapia and mosquito fish in the same pond and two species co exists quite well with the tilapia feeding on the smaller fish. Obviously you would have to find fish more suitable for this role for you since it would be way too cold for either of those by you. Both the above species can die from the cold here. . . in Africa! I am loving your bird life there too! I am trying to get birds to nest by my place. Managing to get a few finches living on under my patio guttering.

[@bdickson2413]

Your knowledge and passion for your project really shines through. You give inspiration to those of with only small city gardens. We can all help nature by providing native plants, a water source, trees and bushes for shelter etc.

[@masoom_kumar]

Every video is a fun class for me. I can't wait for the Spring videos

[@BonitaBrandt]

Fascinating! Who knew birds are so smart?! Seriously!

[@antony1397]

Thank you so much for providing habitat to amphibians and insects, especially. With the current extinction crisis, ANY extra breeding space is going to make a difference.

[@somefatbugger]

Hi from Australia. Really enjoyed your video and am excited to watch your project unfold.

[@SaucissonPatetik]

It's always a huge pleasure to see your videos. Thank you for all your efforts :)

[@T-rf4cxwild]

Welcome to the calm side of KZbin, Thanks Stefano!

[@cartoon80s90s]

Thanks for the update. Great footage showing the nest-building process of 2 birds, and I can't wait for the next update with the pool.

[@agrenibatra]

Your videos make my soul happy

[@kantemirovskaya1lightninga30]

A real treat, as always, Stefano!

[@AmblingTowardsAwe]

Your channel is very inspiring! I will be doing a small (more urban) pond once I have a place, and your videos feed my enthusiasm. In the meantime, I'm just getting started with doing walks in nature and making observations, videoing with my trusty phone!

[@just_an_old_nicole]

This channel is the best serotonin booster. Thank you for sharing!

[@alexross26]

smaller trout for sure. osprey will come for both but king fisher will only come for the small trout also look into some bait fish species for a more stable food chain

[@earthnews790]

I love watching videos like this one... informative and relaxing.

[@ExpectoPatronum538]

My friend you are an awesome human for creating an environment for the animals. Thanks for sharing your incredible work creating a better world