|
A pond owner can gain additional benefits by establishing and maintaining wildlife habitat around the pond. Good habitat will attract a variety of wildlife to the pond site, providing the owner with wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as increased opportunities at game animals during the legal hunting seasons. Other activities such as wildlife photography can be enjoyed as well.
Wildlife Plantings Around the Pond
Establishing a permanent border of vegetation around the pond helps maintain the water quality of the pond by filtering sediment from runoff and stabilizing pond banks. This vegetation will also provide food and cover for wildlife. It is important to protect this border of vegetation from disturbance. Fencing will keep livestock out of this important buffer area as well as out of the pond. If grasses are the only vegetation planted around the pond, the fence should be placed a minimum of 50 feet from the water’s edge. If trees and shrubs are planted in addition to grasses, the fence should be built 100 feet from the water’s edge.
Grass Buffer Strips. Grasslands are valuable wildlife habitat. They provide important nesting cover, shelter, and food for a variety of wildlife. See information about grasses that are best for wildlife habitat. Fescue grass is not recommended because it is of little value as wildlife food or cover. After grass buffer strips have become established, occasional mowing may be necessary. Grasses should be mowed in sections in different years so that some undisturbed grasses will always be left for wildlife. When a section is mowed, it should be done after July so as not to disturb nesting grassland birds and other wildlife.
Woody Plantings. Food and shelter requirements of many wildlife species can also be provided by planting trees and shrubs around the pond. These woody plantings can also serve as windbreaks, sight and sound barriers, shade producers, and erosion control structures. In general, the greater the habitat diversity, the greater the variety of wildlife that will be attracted to the pond vicinity. Diverse habitat will provide for the needs of wildlife on a year-round basis. Information about trees, shrubs, and vines that can be planted around a pond site for wildlife can be obtained from the nearest Division of Wildlife district office.
Where plants are located can be as important as the species that are planted. Never plant woody plants on the dam or spillway. They can damage the structure and may attract burrowing animals. Also, planting trees at least 30 feet from the water’s edge will keep the grasses from being shaded out and keep the pond banks open for recreation.
Wildlife Nesting Structures
Mallards. Mallard ducks do not take to nesting structures as readily as wood ducks, but will use these structures if they are properly placed and maintained. A nest cylinder is easy to build and maintain, and is relatively inexpensive. Contact your nearest Division of Wildlife district office for a publication describing how to construct these nesting structures. The nest cylinder should be placed in the pond away from shorelines and at least three feet above the highest water level expected in the spring.
Wood Ducks. Wood ducks are the mostabundant nesting waterfowl in the state of Ohio. Wood ducks are adapted to forested wetlands and swamps. Artificial nesting structures on ponds, when properly constructed and placed, are readily used by “woodies.” Ohio Learn how to construct a wood duck nesting box.
 Purple Martins. Purple martins can be beneficial to have around a pond because they prey on flying insects such as mosquitos. Because martins are colony nesters, a purple martin house should contain 12-20 individual nest compartments. The house should be light in color to help reflect the sun’s rays and keep the compartments from overheating. Placement of the house is also important. Martins need a clear open space where insects can be pursued and flight to and from the nest is unobstructed. The nest structure therefore should be placed at least 30 feet from trees or buildings. Learn how to construct a purple martin house.
 Eastern Bluebird and Tree Swallow. Bluebirds and tree swallows are two other insect eaters that can be beneficial to have around a pond. A nesting box may be used by either bluebirds or tree swallows because of the similarities in size and habitats used by these two birds. The nest box should be located on the pond’s dam or along the shoreline in open grassy areas. Learn how to construct a bluebird house.
|