Recreating a native habitat has been a dream of mine since I was about 18. It only took me 20 years, but I finally have two acres of land in the country with which to work (and play). My goal is to document the improvements I make to the property: restoring habitat & attracting birds and butterflies in addition to other wildlife.
Showing posts with label just add water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label just add water. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Witnessing Nature
I was outside, sitting at the ponds edge as I've started to do after my morning walks. One of the frogs (yes, I now have two...more on that in another post), was sitting on a half-submerged rock no more than a foot or so away from me. I'm trying to get them used to me and so far, although a little wary, they don't seem to view me as much of a threat.
I watched as a dragonfly swooped in several times dipping into the water until, presumably, his thirst was quenched. Then a dragonfly of a different species was flying by, when one of his own kind entered his air space, the airshow that followed was enjoyable to watch--they swooped and flitted around all in sync only inches apart.
Meanwhile, a honey bee came to the water's edge which is very shallow on this half-submerged rock. I've seen them and other insects drink this way before, however, this time the frog who was about a foot away from the bee, began to stalk him...crawling on his belly to move in closer--with me witnessing how the entire scene played out. The bee seemed almost as big as this small frogs mouth. I was kind of surprised he was stalking it.
Then it all happened so fast, he seemed to pounce on the bee (and likely catch it with his tongue at the same time). As soon as it was in his mouth, he dove under the water...only to resurface a short time later, even closer to me...with what almost seemed like a proud look on his face.
Since I didn't have the camera with me, I went back in to create this re-enactment:
Here is the rock on which it happened, the frog however, had been sitting on the rock and the bee was a right by the water's edge under the ridge (lower, just left of center in photo).
I watched as a dragonfly swooped in several times dipping into the water until, presumably, his thirst was quenched. Then a dragonfly of a different species was flying by, when one of his own kind entered his air space, the airshow that followed was enjoyable to watch--they swooped and flitted around all in sync only inches apart.
Meanwhile, a honey bee came to the water's edge which is very shallow on this half-submerged rock. I've seen them and other insects drink this way before, however, this time the frog who was about a foot away from the bee, began to stalk him...crawling on his belly to move in closer--with me witnessing how the entire scene played out. The bee seemed almost as big as this small frogs mouth. I was kind of surprised he was stalking it.
Then it all happened so fast, he seemed to pounce on the bee (and likely catch it with his tongue at the same time). As soon as it was in his mouth, he dove under the water...only to resurface a short time later, even closer to me...with what almost seemed like a proud look on his face.
Since I didn't have the camera with me, I went back in to create this re-enactment:
Here is the rock on which it happened, the frog however, had been sitting on the rock and the bee was a right by the water's edge under the ridge (lower, just left of center in photo).
Friday, July 13, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Just Add Water (Part Two)
As I mentioned before, within 24 hours of filling the liner, I had a water strider show up...the day after that some whirly-gig beetles (I think that is what they are called). Later, I added some pond water which could have introduced any number of things (and I have some new critters in there now). As happy as I am to see insect life attracted to the pond, I was thrilled, upon our return from a trip, to hear what I assumed to be a frog's call. It was after dark, and as I approached the pond, I heard a telltale splash. The next morning I confirmed with my eyes what my ears had told me. We have a frog now!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Just Add Water
After hauling two more large rocks to the site of my pond and streambed project, I finally felt ready to resume building a water feature...at least the first phase in what I envision for our hillside.
The hole I dug last year was filled up with weeds...and a few natives that I moved to another project I'm working on--the backyard slope. After moving the rocks I'd left in place since last year so that I could mow and see what I was working with, I dug a little more, raked away stones, and put down the liner ((with old carpet underneath). I filled it with water to get a feel of what I was working with. Being that it is near the top of a hill and on a slope, I have my work cut out for me. Honestly, I was a little discouraged as I tried to imagine how I could eventually make this look natural. Now, two days later, I feel quite a bit more sure that it will turn out okay.
What surprised me the most was, the next morning (less than 24 hours after filling the liner), I found a water strider bug (Limnogonus fossarum)! The following morning, I spotted two other insects under the water; I've seen them before, but don't know what they are--yet. :)
"Just add water"...it really is as simple as that...not that hauling all of the rocks, and now trying to piece them together to look natural is exactly simple. :)
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