Today I finished installing a small pond for wildlife in my backyard. It took a while – digging clay soil is never an easy task. But the reward was almost instantaneous – even before it was finished all sorts of creatures discovered it and made use of it. Birds regularly stop by for a fill up. I found some chicken bones in the bottom, likely from a raccoon who dug some chicken out of someone’s garbage and came by to wash it off before having a feast. (And no – the chicken didn’t come from my garbage, since I don’t buy dead animals to cook in my home). I am not sure who left corn in the bottom, since my birdfeeders are a good 60 yards away from the pond. And I’ll have to investigate further, but there are now what appear to be some sort of fresh water mollusk in the bottom. How did they get there? I also expect to see frogs soon – it’s about time for them to do their thing in the water.

I used to see deer visit for a drink, but not lately. The County took a significant part of my land so that they can turn a nice country road into a 4-lane behemoth. The nice meadow and woods that were across the street from me are being razed to turn into row-house apartments. So the hawks don’t fly over much any more, and I no longer see deer prancing in the yard. I also no longer see the cranes who used to have a flight path directly over my house. So much for progress.

But at least the pond will help the various furry, feathered, and otherwise friendly creatures who want to visit, take a sip of water, and be on their way.

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