by Howard Cheek
Early morning shot, with the light breaking through some nearby trees..
I built the pond that feeds this spot 7-8 years ago, and it attracts a lot of the local wildlife here. I've observed snakes eating frogs, to a roadrunner stalking/killing a sparrow juvie by hitting it to the ground again & again.. and everything in between.
The small pond itself was dug by hand (6x12 @ 3 foot depth). I ran some PVC underground to its head, a waterfall made from stacking harder native Texas caliche rock I gathered. The waterfall provides a constant flow of water in/out, with the run-off extending 200-300' before dissipating back into the ground.
Comments
3 commentsWOW, sounds like a start to a new reality TV series to me......
Actually, these backyard riparian type environments are a true respite for small wildlife, especially avian as you've presented here, Howard. As our drought has overwhelmed us all in So Cal we look forward to seeing most anything with water in a scene. Looks like this cardinal is at the top of luxury in your finely built oasis.......
I've seen your setup in quite a few of your images over the past year and it has a pleasing natural appearance. I had not realized you made it until now. I'd say you have done a good thing for yourself and the wildlife. Attracting beneficial wildlife without attracting the pests is always a delicate balance. Even water without food could have some issues. I think you have really been able to do some amazing wildlife photography but I wonder if you have any problems with unwanted critters?
The early morning light really lights up the Cardinal (and those now famous Lantana,
) beautifully, Howard. The reflections of both the bird and the flowers in the water are special additions. Yes, a backyard pond can be a terrific wildlife collector. My ponds (connected by a waterfall and 15' of stream) brought in two Northern watersnakes last year, make great dragonfly, damselfly, and frog habitat. This year's pond critter adventure is the ~18" diameter snapping turtle that has devastated my waterlilies by eating most of the blooms the night after they first open, so it's not my best friend, but I'm not going to go fishing with my hands to find it....all part of the adventure.