After the driest spring on report, water turned more and more scarce and survival onerous for the wildlife right here at my Yorkshire dwelling.
Constructing a pond for wildlife
A number of years in the past, I constructed a small pond and fitted cameras to seize the each day comings and goings. My pond is likely one of the few water sources within the space and animals quickly flocked of their droves to drink. Woodpeckers, buzzards, even geese, turned common each day guests, and at night time hedgehogs, foxes, badgers and roe deer stopped by. I additionally some uncommon guests like a Eurasian goshawk.
A spot to wash and play
Wrens, blackbirds, pigeons and even owls additionally got here to wash. Birds of prey get most of their water from the meals they eat, however bathing is crucial to maintain their feather sin good situation and free from parasites. Typically stoats simply stopped by to play and splash within the water.
A spot to hunt
With so many animals flocking to the pond, predators observe and life will get performed out right here in all of its magnificence and ache. Just like the sparrowhawk catching a unsuspecting music thrush and drowning it within the water, or tawny owls snatching rats as they arrive to drink. Nature will be harsh however these predators even have younger to feed. Now part of the panorama My pond is now an important a part of the panorama and the wildlife right here has come to depend on what it presents. In instances of drought, when streams run dry, this pond endures – a reminder to us all that the surroundings and those who reside in it are valuable.
