Get documents about "Using water to attract wildlife
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What is the one thing that you can do to attract a greater variety of wildlife to your habitat, regardless of the size of your property. The answer is... add water.
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What is the one thing that you can do to O ften when we want to
attract more birds or
animals, we think in terms of
attract a greater variety of wildlife to your
offering additional food
habitat, regardless of the size sources. While this is certainly
of your property. entertaining for us and
appreciated by wildlife, there
The answer is... add water. are frequently other food
supplies in the area, such as
berries and seeds, or insects
and smaller mammals.
Add Water and Generally speaking, a
species will limit its
population in a locality
They Will Come according to the food supply
that is available. In addition,
most species can survive a
certain amount of time
without food when supplies
are short. Water is a very
For more nature habitat information different matter.
Visit these helpful websites:
We, like our household pets,
A Plant's Home need water all year around, and
A Bird's Home cannot survive for very long
A Homesteader's Home without it. The same thing is
true of all living things,
including those in the wild.
When development fills in or
pollutes wetlands and ponds,
or a drought dries up vernal
pools and there are no rain
puddles or drops of moisture
on leaves, or a long stretch of
very cold weather freezes the
usual water sources, then the
stress on wildlife is
tremendous.
By providing a clean,
dependable supply of water you
will attract and benefit a far
broader spectrum of wildlife
than with any type of food.
This means that you will
attract birds that don’t eat
seed and won’t appear at your
feeders, animals which are
normally too shy to appear in
the open, and creatures that
you usually don’t think about
© WindStar Wildlife Institute
Page 1 A Plant's Home
feeding but which are very
beneficial, such as frogs and “Of all the garden developments you can undertake to
butterflies. increase habitat diversity, ponds are probably the most
effective and the most gratifying. If you have the space, a
When trying to create an large pond offers a wide range of possibilities, but even a
ecosystem in a limited area, tiny pool can make a noticeable difference."
water is your most important
resource. – The Natural Garden Book
Peter Harper
If you are trying to provide
water for a wide variety of fountain, and even a few fish. Sunshine can also be a
creatures, then you should Ideas would include large terra problem, since the water in
present it in several different cotta pots, half barrels, stone containers can overheat easily,
ways. The first consideration is troughs – you are only limited so if your climate is very hot,
height. Water at ground level, at by your imagination. provide some shade, especially
the height of a standard bird if you are including fish.
bath, and still higher above the Containers which aren’t
ground, perhaps in a tree, will waterproof can be lined to make Think about the wildlife that
meet the needs of many them suitable. The depth of the you hope to attract, how much
species. container will determine what space you have, and whether
plants you can grow, and you want the water to merge
Then you can think about size, whether or not it is useful for with your living space or be
depth, still or moving water, amphibians or birds. somewhat removed.
solid or earth-bottom, clear or
containing plants and rocks, In colder climates these Many people begin with a
and so on with endless containers may freeze in winter, standard bird bath on a
possibilities. killing the plants and fish and pedestal. There are many styles
possibly splitting the container on the market, or you can make
Small Spaces itself. Sometimes a heater can your own. Whatever you choose
If you don’t have much space, be added, or they can be should gradually slope to no
many common containers can brought indoors until warmer more than 3 in. deep and should
hold water, plus some plants, a weather returns. have a rough surface.
Birds fear deep water
because they can easily drown,
and smooth surfaces allow
Container Waterfall them to slip and lose control.
If it’s at least 24 in. to 36 in.
wide it will allow several birds
to drink and bathe at the
same time.
Bird baths should be out in
the open, about 15 ft. from
shrubs or trees. This allows the
birds to see approaching
predators and gives them a
safe place to which they can
escape.
Be Creative
Once you have the basic bird
bath installed, think about
variations. By sinking a bird
bath bowl – or a garbage can lid
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 2 A Plant's Home
or similar object – into the Birds in particular are fond sand, will attract butterflies.
ground so that the lip extends of moving water, and the They not only need water to
up a couple of inches (to keep sound alone is often enough drink, but also require
dirt from washing in), you can to attract them. Some bird minerals from the wet dirt.
create an instant drinking pool. baths provide fountains, and
there are kits to create your Larger Bodies of Water
Depending on its location, own fountains in other Now that the birds and
this type of arrangement can containers. There are also insects are provided for, you
also attract reptiles and special misting attachments can think about other
amphibians, insects, and small that can be added. creatures which will appreciate
mammals. If you are striving for larger and deeper sources of
a completely natural look, If you are working with a drinking water. Ponds have
consider a large stone with a limited budget, a hose draped been recognized for the
depression that can hold water, over a tree branch and allowed beauty that they add to any
or a log that has been partially to drip very, very slowly into a home landscape.
hollowed out. container of water will provide
the desired effect. As a result, there is a
There are also bird baths wealth of information available
which can hang from tree A similar solution would be to on building ponds of all sizes,
branches or from brackets replace the hose with a bucket, as well as kits to make your
attached to a deck railing or plastic jug, or other watertight job easier.
wall. These are excellent for container with a tiny hole in the
apartment dwellers, or anyone bottom, just large enough to let This publication will primarily
who has limited yard space. the water drip out slowly . give you an overview of the
Some even use suction cups to basics of building and
attach to windows, allowing you A series of half-barrels or maintaining an informal pond
to have a close-up view of the other containers at different designed to attract and serve
action. heights, plus a recirculating wildlife. Any bookstore, library,
pump, can create the illusion of large home improvement store
Whatever water source you a waterfall as the liquid flows or nursery, or your Cooperative
provide, it needs to be kept through spouts or other Extension Service can provide
clean, filled, and free of any connectors from one level into you with seemingly endless
chemicals. For winter use, there the next. books and information on
are heated bird baths, or more elaborate construction
separate heating elements Maintaining a packed area of techniques.
that can be added to any small moist soil, or providing a
water feature. shallow container of damp Most pond construction
books will give guidelines about
waterfalls, elevation and
“All too often, gardeners, when confronted with wet areas, excavation, water tables, and
attempt to alter the habitat by drainage or fill, with the liner and pump sizes. If that
purpose of creating lawns or planting shrubs in an attempt type of pond is your goal,
to shape a landscape into a scene resembling every other taking time to do the research
developed landscape... now will mean far few problems
Why not work within the parameters of the existing in the future.
environment, making use of water to create a landscape of
both stability and beauty. Use the assets of the site, such Your first step should be to
as its natural moisture for a pool or a marshy habitat analyze your space and decide
rather than fighting nature. The creation of a wet habitat where you want to locate your
also offers unexpected pleasures in the form of the wild pond. To get the most
species that may appear naturally or be brought in by enjoyment, it should be visible
migrating birds." from the house and
customary outdoor living area
– Gardening with Native Wild Flowers
Samuel Jones and Leonard Foote such as a deck or patio.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 3 A Plant's Home
Situated closer to the If you take a photo of your shallower is certainly safer
house, you will have the yard and get inexpensive paper than deeper.
relaxing sound of the water, photocopies made, you can
and a constant view of the draw many variations of your Try to visit a number of
flowers, fish, insects, and ideas until you’re happy with different ponds in private yards,
small creatures that are the results. public places or botanic gardens
attracted to the pond. Larger to get a feel for the style and
mammals are more cautious Simple or Elaborate. features that you’d like to
and will be more likely to visit The style of your pond is a incorporate.
a water source that is farther very personal choice, and it can
from human activity, although be simple or elaborate, casual When it comes to ponds,
it can certainly still be in easy or formal. Safety, however, is larger is generally better.
view. critical. Some localities have Professionals say that they are
specific zoning ordinances often called in to enlarge a
Unless you are fortunate relating to water features, and pond, but never to make one
enough to have a large “farm anything deeper than 2 ft. may smaller! Larger ponds tend to
pond" which is spring-fed or be designated a “pool," so be stay cleaner and the water
can rely on rainfall, your pond sure that you are meeting any temperature fluctuates less,
needs to be in reach of a hose requirements such as fencing. placing less stress on the fish
for filling and cleaning. and plants.
Also check for any
The surrounding area can get restrictions in your Although any water in your
very moist and soggy when homeowner’s insurance policy. yard is better than none, if you
rainfall is heavy, so providing Utility companies will usually have sufficient space try for a
for paths or stepping stones come to your home at no pond that is at least 6 by 8 ft.
will add to your enjoyment. charge to mark the location of
underground pipes and wires. Lay out your design with a
To appreciate the peace and piece of rope or hose so that
serenity that your pond will If you have children in the you can easily experiment with
bring to your yard, include family, or even in neighboring shape and dimension before you
some kind of seating houses, water depth is an actually start digging. Unless
arrangement where you can important factor. Although it you need a geometric shape for
relax and contemplate the is possible to drown in just a a specific formal plan, use
beauty around you. couple of inches of water, curving lines and avoid sharp
Wildlife Pond Deepest part
Shallow pebble Deep-water of the pond Bog plants –
beach to allow aquatics should be at choose native
small animals Add a bucketful grown in least 2 ft. so as species
access to the of water from an baskets to protect pond
Paved area water without established pond life in winter
for birds drowning to introduce
and people aquatic life
Butyl liner Old logs
and tall
2 in. layer of Bog garden grass to
sand above and encourage
below the liner Marginal plants insects and
2-3 in. layer of grown in baskets animals
heavy soil on top Oxygenators and placed on a
of the sand layer planted into the shelf
soil layer
– The Rock and Water Garden Expert
Dr. D. G. Hessayon
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 4 A Plant's Home
corners – they won’t look Some ponders use sand bags At the same time, don’t
natural and will have a tendency to form ledges. Many people choose the lowest site on your
to collect debris. choose to add electrical property. If it is too low, you
elements to their pond design, may have problems with
Know in advance where you are such as pumps, filters, heaters, contamination from debris or
going to put the dirt that you and lights. pollution from runoff.
remove. Some suggestions are
to use it for a berm around the The most common filters are Creating a berm, or raised
pond, to form an island, or to either mechanical (pulling the mound, around the edges of
create a new garden (perhaps a water through filter pads) or the pond will help prevent this.
raised bed) elsewhere on the biological (passing the water The more level the site, the
property. over cleansing bacteria living in easier it will be to correctly dig
a contained space). the pond.
Consider Climate
Find out the anticipated The details about filters, as If there is any slope, be sure
freezing depth for your area. In well as different types of that the low side faces away
most climates, 2 ft. is pumps, are available in most from the house or other area
sufficient for small fish and pond construction books. With where overflow could cause
plants to survive the winter anything electrical, you need to problems. If your water supply
(but plan on at least 1 ft. research local regulations, and is chlorinated or treated with
deeper than the usually be sure that any lines are safely ammonia, you will have to
thickest ice). buried and that everything is neutralize it since these
grounded and intended for use chemicals can be toxic to
Adequate depth is also outdoors and around water. wildlife.
important in warm climates,
since it is dangerous for fish Although you can choose a Treatments are available
and plants if the water gets shady site, remember that you through companies which sell
too hot. will have to remove falling fish or water plants. Before
leaves in the autumn so that treating, you will need to know
Ledges at various depths they aren’t sinking and the water capacity of the pond,
(starting at about 10 in. below decomposing in the water or which can be determined by
the surface for marginal plants clogging a filter system. Tree multiplying the length x width x
in pots) are recommended for roots can also puncture liners. depth x 7.5 gallons/cubic ft.
different species of plants, with
the shallowest one at least 1 ft. On the other hand, if your Bottoms Up
wide. pond is very shallow, shade will The bottom of some ponds
reduce evaporation and consists of packed earth, while
overheating of the water. If you others depend on cement, a
want to grow a variety of rigid plastic form, or some kind
Pond Ledge flowering plants in and around of flexible liner. If you have clay
the water, you will need to be soil, digging a depression and
sure that the site receives at packing down the earth may be
Shelf for marginal plants least five hours of sun per day. all that you need to do.
Unless you are designing a If you have soil that drains
formal pond to be incorporated rapidly, or you want to be sure
into a specific landscape style, that the soil stays really wet
choose a site where the pond all the time in order to
will look natural. support water-loving plants,
then you will need to add a
You wouldn’t expect to see a liner. Other than an earth
body of water sitting on the top bottom, a flexible liner is the
slope of a hill in nature, and it most versatile since it will fit
– The Rock and Water Garden Expert won’t look right in your yard any shape that you choose to
Dr. D. G. Hessayon either. dig.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 5 A Plant's Home
Polyethylene liners are lowest Pond Maintenance If you have an unexpected
in cost but don’t last very long Clean out debris regularly, freeze, you can repeatedly
(perhaps up to 10 years); PVC because it can rob the pond of place a hot pot on the ice until
liners are mid-range in price oxygen as it decomposes. Some it melts a hole (keeping control
but are stronger and may be owners use netting to catch of it so that it doesn’t sink!).
reinforced with netting; and falling leaves in autumn before Don’t hammer on the ice to
Butyl sheeting is the most they enter the water. make an opening because the
expensive but also the vibrations could kill the fish.
strongest, tolerating both Destructive insects should
sunlight and frost. It can be be washed off the plants or Water Color
expected to last 20-50 years. the affected leaves should be The color of the water is
removed. Don’t use any significant. If your pond is
Beware of using swimming pesticides. healthy, the water should
pool liners or other materials actually be amber rather than
not designed for ponds, In winter, discard tropical clear, indicating the presence
because often they have been plants and move hardy ones to of beneficial organisms. Green
treated with chemicals which a depth of 18 in. or more. Stop water indicates the growth of
can be toxic to wildlife and feeding any fish when the algae and is normal during the
plants. Look for products temperature no longer goes first few weeks after filling the
marked “fish safe." above 50 degrees. They have no pond.
digestive systems and rely on
When using a flexible liner, the bacteria that only grows in The fish and submerged
pad the ground first with a warmer weather. plants will help the pond come
thick layer of newspaper and/ into balance. Brown water is
or sand to protect the plastic The fish will instinctively due to particles of sediment
from being punctured by small move to the deepest part of stirred up by the fish, or by
stones. the pond. When temperatures strongly moving water. This
go below freezing, it is can be reduced by removing
To determine the size of liner necessary to let oxygen into some of the debris which has
needed, measure the length the water and also to let any settled to the bottom.
and width of the pond, adding gasses caused by leaf
an additional foot to each for decomposition escape, or else Black water means that tree
overlap on the top edge, then the fish will suffocate. leaves are decaying in the
multiply the maximum depth water, and they need to be
times two and add it to the A heater or deicer can be removed since they can release
first figures. used to keep a small portion of toxic gases.
water unfrozen, or you can drill
Let the water settle before 1/2 in. holes along the length of Decaying water lily leaves can
trimming away any excess, but a piece of 4 in. PVC pipe and leave a film of oil on the
leave enough material to fold sink it at the deep end with 4 in. surface which can be removed
some over the sand or rocks of the pipe extending above the by placing a sheet of
that are holding the edges in water surface. newspaper on top of the water
place as you fill the pond. Hide and then pulling it off. If the
the remaining visible edge water has a white, cloudy
material with additional rocks. appearance, look for and
“...a small informal wildlife remove dead fish or other
Leaving some excess will let pond can be accommodated animals which may have
you make adjustments in the in most gardens, as it is the drowned.
future, if necessary. Using natural population rather
stones and plants around the than the pond itself which Types of Plants
edges, putting some smooth is the main attraction." There are several kinds of
gravel in the water, and using a pond vegetation. The most
dark-colored liner will all serve – The Rock and Water Garden Expert common are submerged plants,
to make the pond look more Dr. D.G. Hessayon marginal plants, water lilies,
natural. and floaters. As a general rule,
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 6 A Plant's Home
plants should cover about 60% especially if it has a high clay
of the water’s surface to keep content. Small gravel on the NATIVE PLANTS SUITABLE FOR
algae growth under control. top will hold the soil in place. PONDS, BOGS, OR WETLANDS
Many aquatic plants, provided Water lilies prefer quiet Floating Rooted Aquatics
with a constant supply of water water, so they are not s Floating Heart
(Nymphoides aquatica)
and nutrients, can be very compatible with fountains. s American Lotus
vigorous, and are often grown in Tropical species cannot survive (Nelumbo lutea)
submerged perforated winter temperatures, but hardy s Water Lily
containers to keep them within varieties will live if the foliage is (Nymphaea odorata)
reasonable bounds. cut back and the pot placed in s Spatterdock (Nuphar advena)
the deepest part of the pond. Free-floating Aquatics
As a rule, use good garden s Mosquito Fern
soil without organic matter They are called “rooted (Azolla caroliniana)
and low in nutrients, since floating aquatics" because s Water Spangles
(Salvinia minima)
these things will encourage they are planted in soil but Large Duckweed
s
algae growth. their stems stretch to the (Spirodela polyrhiza)
water’s surface. s Inflated Bladderwort
The plant species which grow (Utricularia inflata)
underwater are called Floating plants don’t anchor
Submerged Oxygenators
oxygenators and they keep the in pots or dirt, but rather let Fanwort
s
pond clean by removing excess their roots dangle in the water. (Cabomba caroliniana)
nutrients, thus starving the Like water lilies, their leaves cut s Eel Grass
algae. They also provide hiding back the sunlight, and thus the (Vallisneria americana)
places for fish and other algae, and their roots consume s Waterweed
(Elodea canadensis)
underwater creatures. excess nutrients. s Common Water Nymph
(Najas guadalupensis)
Generally speaking, to keep Many of these are very s Hornwort
the water healthy, plan on vigorous growers and can take (Ceratophyllum demersum)
planting 12 cuttings of over a pond, so be prepared to
Marginal Plants
submerged plants for each sq. scoop some out as necessary. s Duck Potato
ft. of pond surface. (Sagittaria latifolia)
The removed plants add good s Arrow Arum
These are planted directly nutrients to a compost pile, (Peltandra virginica)
s Three Way Sedge
into the soil at the bottom of and the water is great fertilizer (Dulichium arundinaceum)
the pond. A layer of pea gravel for flower beds if you ever have s Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)
will help to keep fish from to drain your pond for s Water Horsetail
disturbing them. If possible, let maintenance. (Equisetum fluviatile)
plants become established s Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica)
s Swamp Lily
before introducing fish. Sometimes aquatic (Crinum americanum)
vegetation can get out of s Pickerelweed
Marginal plants are the ones control and threaten the (Pontederia cordata)
that you will place on the ledge health of the pond. Often this
of the pond, or plant in your bog is due to an excess of Wetland Plants
s Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)
garden. While they enjoy nutrients, perhaps the result s Lizard’s Tail
constant moisture on their of runoff from lawn fertilizers (Saururus cernuus)
roots, they don’t want to be or farm animal waste s Woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus)
deep in the water. products. s Cardinal Flower
(Lobelia cardinalis)
s New York Ironweed
If you pot them yourself, Lowering the water level (Vernonia noveboracensis)
don’t use peat moss or allows you to pull the weeds by s Water Willow
commercial “soil-less" mixes hand. Any biological or (Decodon verticillatus)
because those substances will herbicidal controls should only s Wild Red Mallow
(Hibiscus coccineus)
float and pollute the water. be used as a last resort and s Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata)
Use regular garden soil, with careful supervision.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 7 A Plant's Home
Never use any chemicals in Add a liner if your soil If you live in an area with cold
streams or ponds that connect doesn’t naturally retain winters, mulch bog plants well.
to or overflow into estuaries. moisture, but this time poke The additional moisture in the
some small holes in the liner soil can cause severe “frost
Create a Bog and fill the depression with a heaves" which may kill your
While they don’t get the mixture of sand, humus, some perennials if they aren’t
amount of public attention that soil and water. protected.
ponds do, many naturalists
prefer to create bogs in their The formula recommended by If you already have wet areas
habitat. Ken Druse in The Natural on your property, enhance
Garden “three parts acidic
is them rather than try to
These provide water and humus, such as peat moss or overcome them. Drainage
support a range of wildlife and oak leaves, to two parts sand, ditches can be deepened and
plants, yet don’t have the to one part loam – good lined (if necessary) and then
safety concerns of electricity or topsoil ." planted to become lovely
deep water, and don’t require stream features.
the more intensive commitment Placing a soaker hose (one
of time and money for with tiny perforations along Low-lying ground that never
construction. its length) at the bottom of seems to dry out can become
the bog, with one end sealed a valuable bog or wetland
They can also do well in partial and the connecting end area. If you can locate the
shade, and don’t have as many sticking out enough to be source of the water – possibly
problems with tree roots. As accessible, will let you add an underground spring – then
before, start with a depression water as needed without you can center a pond there,
about 18 in. deep. disturbing the surface. and surround it with a bog
garden.
If the bog area is large Some people also choose to
enough, create some mounds create bog areas around a The constant moisture will
to accommodate acid-loving more traditional pond, thus allow you to plant flowers that
shrubs like blueberries and accommodating any overflow wouldn’t grow well under normal
pussy willows which appreciate from heavy rain, while at the garden conditions. Some
constant moisture but don’t same time creating another thoughtful landscaping can
like to live in standing water. distinct habitat environment. turn what seemed like a
negative feature into the focal
point of your yard.
Bog Garden STEP 6:
COMPLETE THE GARDEN Attracting Wildlife
Rake 2 oz. Growmore or
balanced organic fertilizer
Toads and frogs will be happy
per sq. yd. into surface if the sides of your pond slope
STEP 4:
ADD COMPOST LAYER gently and are covered with
Compost mix of 3 parts
topsoil, 3 parts peat and pebbles. Avoid purchasing
1 part lime-free grit STEP 5:
ADD STONE EDGING tadpoles, since they usually
Place pebbles along
either side of the bog
end up being bullfrogs which will
STEP 1:
LAY THE LINER
garden to hide liner displace smaller, native frogs.
Use butyl sheeting – place under
the flexible or rigid pond liner
and on top of 2 in. sand layer Many amphibians appreciate
protection in the form of
bushes, lily leaves, rock piles, or
an upside-down flowerpot with
STEP 3: a broken-out “doorway."
STEP 2: ADD GRIT LAYER
MAKE DRAINAGE HOLES Place 2 in. layer of lime-free
grit or gravel at the base
One 1/2 in. hole every 3 ft.
is necessary Branches which overhang the
pond allow tree frogs to lay
– The Rock and Water Garden Expert eggs and have them drop right
Dr. D. G. Hessayon into the water.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 8 A Plant's Home
For winter cover you can How About Fish. Sticklebacks are more
create a hibernacula by digging Many pond owners choose to appropriate if you want to
a pit (3 ft. wide by 6 ft. long add fish, but you need to maintain a native ecosystem.
and up to 18 in. deep is ideal) consider some of their
and filling it with loosely drawbacks as well as their Sometimes construction
packed sticks and rocks. Leave beauty. While they eat techniques and materials can
lots of spaces and layer with mosquito larvae, they also eat seem overwhelming to nature
leaves and wood chips. Add a the eggs of amphibians and lovers who just want to provide
layer of soil and mulch and top insects. water for the local fauna.
with straw or wood chips.
They will provide easy meals To illustrate how feasible a
Salamanders and newts will for herons and raccoons, an simpler approach is, we have
look for daytime hiding places important consideration if you only to look at the experience
such as dead logs. Dragonflies have spent a lot of money on of one WindStar Master
will come if the water is kept the fish. Don’t overstock your Wildlife Habitat Naturalist. He
clean, and bees will be attracted pond or it will be out of balance fully intended to build an
by the flowering plants. Like the ecologically. elaborate pond system,
frogs, many insects which are complete with waterfall, in his
attracted to water Wait several weeks to let the suburban yard, but he had to
environments, including water pond settle before introducing stop temporarily after only
beetles and damsel flies, will any fish, and plan on only one digging a shallow depression in
make your life more pleasant by inch of fish per five gallons or the ground.
eating many mosquito larvae. per sq. ft. of water surface
unless you are using pumps Before long deer, rabbits,
The toads are especially and filters. frogs, birds, and a variety of
helpful in cutting down on other creatures were
populations of harmful garden Overfeeding will also pollute appearing regularly to take
pests. the water. Don’t give them more advantage of the rain water
than they can consume in five that collected there! Pond
Birds will also come to the to ten minutes. Once the pond aesthetics are geared to
pond, and if you have flocks of is stabilized and balanced with people; wildlife just needs the
30 or more you should plants, there shouldn’t be much water.
consider a pond at least 8 by need to feed the fish at all.
15 ft., so that it doesn’t
become overly contaminated by Feeder goldfish are hardy and This article was written by
their droppings. inexpensive, compared to koi Maryland Master Wildlife
Habitat Naturalist
which cost a great deal, need Cathy Gilleland.
As discussed previously, be water at least 4 ft. deep, and
sure that part of the pond is require a lot of care and For more information or for the
very shallow and has rocks just attention. Species such as name of a Master Wildlife
below the surface for perching if Gambusia (mosquito fish), Habitat Naturalist in your area,
you want to attract birds. Rosy Minnows, or Three-spined please contact:
WindStar Wildlife Institute
RESOURCES
E-mail: wildlife@windstar.org
s The Complete Pond Builder, Helen Nash (recommended by http://www.windstar.org
many pond owners)
s How to Attract Birds, Ortho Books (creative birdbath ideas) WindStar Wildlife Institute is a
s Garden Ponds, David Squire national, non-profit,
s Water Gardening, Ken Druse conservation organization whose
mission is to help individuals
s The Rock and Water Garden Expert, Dr. D. G. Hessayon and families establish or
s Gardening with Native Wild Flowers, Samuel Jones and improve the wildlife habitat on
Leonard Foote (good list of native aquatic plants) their properties.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 9 A Plant's Home
