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It's all about our discoveries in our private Shady Oaks Sanctuary for birds, pollinators and wildlife. We gauge our success by the diversity of species we observe and document with our photography.
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Bubbler Maintenance Guides plus All Water Feature Links 6-27-19
Bubbler Pond Maintenance
by Dan Terpstra
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping water clear and your pond relatively algae free. It’s difficult to have a truly algae free pond and shouldn’t be expected in a natural setting. This isn’t a swimming pool, but there are ways to control algae and keep your pond clear.
A frequent question is how much time is required for pond maintenance. It’s a difficult question to answer since variables such as size of the pond, time-of-year, water and air temperature, and amount of sun/shade all influence how much time is involved and how frequently maintenance is needed.
Size matters. A small bubbler pond may take more frequent attention than a larger pond, but the time spent each time will be less. For our 100 gallon bubbler pond I’d say that regular maintenance (cleaning out leaves & debris; cleaning filter elements; adjusting water level) takes less than an hour a week. The result is that we spend far more time enjoying the pond than maintaining it.
The biological filter works best in keeping the pond system in proper balance if the pump runs continuously all year. This means that during the winter a pond (water trough) de-icer will be necessary to keep the water flowing. We use a thermostatically controlled 1250W heater/de-icer which keeps the water flowing to at least -10℉. One source for it is here: Source for De-icer
Water treatment
We recommend regular additions of a biological agent such as Microbelift® PL. (Manufacturer’s website: https://www.microbelift.com/product/pl-2/ and one online source: https://webbsonline.com/Item/Microbe-lift-PL-22345.)
A biological filter might take more time to get established than some other types, but once a thriving microbe colony is established and with regular microbe additions you should have a healthy pond environment.
There are also biological products for Fall/Winter and early Spring maintenance which will help break down accumulated organic matter. We’ve used the Microbelift products in these categories with good results.
For cloudy water that doesn’t clear in a few days there are flocculants that will clear the water fairly quickly.
Algae control
In late winter or early spring algae will very likely start growing as soon as the temperatures get above 45-50℉ and well before any other pond plants start growing. Use of an oxygenating algaecide will help control most forms of algae. Keep in mind that using an algaecide will decrease the effectiveness of the biological agent for a period of time. A few days after an algaecide treatment we will generally introduce a “starter” dose of the Microbelift® PL to get the biological filter quickly repopulated with bacteria. If there is a lot of algae I’d recommend mechanically removing as much as possible using a scrub brush dedicated to this purpose (so as not to introduce unwelcome substances to the pond).
Accumulated leaves and seed pods will start to decompose and add to the the nutrients that feed algae so skim out debris as needed. With lots of trees around our pond we skim the surface and the bottom at least once a week and more often in the spring and fall.
NOTE: Do NOT use chlorine bleach for algae control. Not only will it kill algae, but also any fish and other beneficial microbes in the pond and it is harmful to the birds who come to the water feature.
Filter maintenance
Clean the filter element regularly. This may be weekly in spring when there is lots of pollen and dust floating in the air, every 2-3 weeks in summer, and once a month in winter. The biological filter elements (lava rock or plastic spheres) should not need cleaning or flushing except maybe once a year to remove built up dirt. Remember that it’s the microbial action within the pores of the lava rock that maintains the proper balance of chemicals and nutrients in your water so maintaining this community of microbes is very important to the proper functioning of your filter.
Twelve How-to photos begin here: Cleaning the biofilter
We hope these guidelines will give you an idea of what is required to keep a bubbler pond clean and safe for the birds. Maintenance on a regular basis is required, though individual systems may be different. This Bubbler Pond Maintenance Guide is based on our personal experience and may not apply to all.
Email us from the Contact page if you would like a pdf of this guide to print.
NOTE: It has been updated since this original post. 7-6-21
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Pondless Bubbler Maintenance
by Dan Terpstra
Because there is usually less water in a pondless bubbler, regular maintenance is even more critical than with a bubbler pond. When designing a pondless bubbler make sure there is easy access to the container with the pump. Rather than have the bubbler rock on top of the container, it may be better to place it to one side.
Since the combination of gravel and lava rock make up the biological filter, it’s important to keep the gravel clean and the microbe community in the lava rock healthy. Biological filters rely on an active microbe community so regular additions of a biological agent such as Microbelift® PL are necessary to proper bubbler health. (Manufacturer’s website: https://www.microbelift.com/product/pl-2/ and one online source: https://webbsonline.com/Item/Microbe-lift-PL-22345.)
Even though the microbes may be less active in cold weather, it is beneficial to run the pump continuously and all year. For winter operation, it is necessary to have a heater/de-icer located inside the pump bucket. A thermostatically controlled heater/de-icer should allow for operation down to quite low temperatures (at least 0℉). We recommend a thermostatically controlled 1250W heater/de-icer which keeps the water flowing to at least -10℉. One source for it is here: Source for De-icer
With the gravel acting as a pre-filter keep it clean by regularly removing leaves and debris. This should be done at least weekly and may need to be done more often during spring and fall.
Check the water level weekly and top up as needed. Once a month flush enough water through the gravel bed to remove accumulated dirt, pollen and small debris.
In the spring and fall open up the bucket containing the pump and clean the bucket, pump and tubing. Drain and refill reservoir with clean water. Add a biological agent such as Microbelift® PL per recommended starter dosage on package.
Keep the lava rock biological filter adequately supplied with a biological agent per the maintenance schedule on the product’s container.
Occasional use of a granular oxidizing algaecide to control algae is recommended. Granular hydrogen peroxide (Sodium Percarbonate) can also be used, but we don’t have any experience with it. The 3% solution of H2O2 available in drug stores can be effective in small fountains, but isn’t strong enough for a larger water feature. Keep in mind that the use of an algaecide reduces the effectiveness of the microbe colonies in the lava rock and a starter dose of the biological agent a few days after algaecide treatment will be necessary to maintain proper balance in your filter.
NOTE: NEVER use chlorine bleach as this is detrimental to any living thing, including birds that come to the bubbler.
If you have trouble maintaining the water level, check the berm around the bubbler for changes that might affect the water level. Rebuild and reinforce as needed.
Even with regular maintenance of your pondless bubbler it may be necessary to do a complete clean-out of the system every 2-3 years. This involves the removal of the filter bucket, gravel, and lava rock. Clean all system elements and the liner with water (it shouldn’t be necessary to use any other cleaner). Replace all components and refill with clean water. Treat with a biological agent to repopulate the lava rock with microbes.
We hope these guidelines will give you an idea of what is required to keep a pondless bubbler clean and safe for the birds. Maintenance on a regular basis is required, though individual systems may be different.
This Pondless Bubbler Maintenance Guide is based on input from others and may not apply to all.
Email us from the Contact page if you would like a pdf of this guide to print.
NOTE: It has been updated since this original post. 7-6-21
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Links to previous blog posts regarding Moving Water for Birds and the Perches they need:
Simple Ways to Add Moving Water
Bubbler Water Features - Part One - Bubbler Pond and Basin
Bubbler Water Features - Part Two - Pondless Bubbler
Bubbler Water Features - Part Three - Perches!
Bring Conservation Home Benefit Tour, Saturday 6-22-19
The last few weeks have been spent in grooming the garden and getting ready for Tour Day. We've been fortunate, some days have been pleasantly cool. My friend, Ann Lakin, generously gave half a day to help while we weeded and chatted in the bird and butterfly garden. The Broad-winged Hawks soared overhead together, calling. While we watched, two male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds nectared and chased each other at the Indian Pinks (Spigelia marilandica). After Ann left, I tried to catch them again, but the pinks and I waited in vain.
I took just a few breaks to photograph in between stints of weeding. A pair of Eastern Wood-Pewees were flycatching in the wild wood on Thursday, 6-13-19. One paused long enough for me to get a portrait.
A young Tufted Titmouse landed on the cedar perch by the Bubbler and its parent brought it a tasty morsel.
That young Downy Woodpecker has been finding insects on its own and has been seen at the finch feeder, too.
By Thursday, 6-20-19, we were feeling pretty good about the readiness of our conservation garden and finished up the final touches.
Friday was rainy all day, with over 1.6" in the rain gauge. Some of it was pretty heavy, washing the mulch from some areas we'd just finished. Saturday morning, one storm finished and we were outside removing the deer fence by the pond when I stepped into the grassy lawn area. Ha, more mud than grass in that spot! We might best stick with plan B and have everyone stay on the deck, I thought. I checked the radar and it didn't look too bad, it was time to get cleaned up before volunteers arrived.
About 8:40 am, Mitch Leachman arrived and I greeted him. He asked if I had checked the radar, the sky was so black on his way over. Wow, another storm had quickly ramped up! The skies released a torrential downpour, even a bit of hail as our volunteers and first attendees arrived. We waited together in the breakfast room, discussing invasive honeysuckle. Eventually, we got out into the gazebo and thankfully, had some space to set up our posters and notebooks in there. At least 41 of the registrants came! We were all busy listening, answering questions and enjoying the crazy day together. Here is Dan in his persimmon shirt, talking with some of our early arrivals. Walking around the garden was optional, but as you can see, many still wanted to get up close to look at plants. The tour had been scheduled rain or shine, and we got another 2"!
We talked with our visitors about the history of our property, the evolving design, the bubbler and its nearby perches, the many birds and other critters we've seen. It's impossible to cover it all in just a few hours. As the time came for the tour to end, the sky brightened, hummingbirds visited the feeders and Leather Flower (Clematis versicolor), and blue-gray gnatcatchers were seen feeding young on the south side of the gazebo, right at eye level.
Tour attendees came from Elsah, Illinois, Mokane, Missouri and as far away as Springfield, Missouri! The youngest was just 8 years old, insistent with his grandpa that they come. He carried his Field Guide to Eastern Birds with him. Almost all were undeterred by the rain, lingering in our peaceful sanctuary.
Our intrepid volunteers were so helpful. Our deepest thanks to Armetta Smitley, Katherine Woldum, Bill Hoss, Wally George, Connie Alwood, Sue Poley, April Anderson, and Mitch Leachman, St. Louis Audubon Society Director of Programs. It wouldn't have been the same experience without each one of you!
Last days of May, 6-2-19
The garden has been looking so lush with all the rains this month. The Copper Iris (Iris fulva) were in full glory over Memorial Day weekend. This iris is native to Missouri.
The Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) has been blooming most of the month and we frequently see the Ruby-throats taking sips of nectar. The dominant Northern Cardinal pair built their nest in the arbor, under the protection of this twiggy vine.
Above the 'spring' the Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) is now blooming. Its graceful plumes look better than ever this year.
On Thursday, I went to feed the fish and was taken by surprise by a deep purple flower. My friend, Judy Speck had given me this iris four years ago and it was finally happily blooming!
It is a hybrid native iris, called Iris Louisiana 'Black Gamecock'. These native irises will only cross with each other. There are five irises in this group, one being the Copper Iris (Iris fulva), known for its deep and lovely orangey-red hue.
Here is an information sheet on these irises: Louisiana Irises
Another favorite plant that is native to SE Missouri is the Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica). It has been really happy near the pond.
Another plant that is doing exceptionally well this year is the Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica). The garden has been soaking up all this moisture.
Now, on to birds. The Eastern Phoebe family has been actively feeding in the yard on some days. I saw a juvenile on the arbor once but I never saw them all together again. The adults have been seen more often. They do sometimes produce a second brood. We'll be watching.
The Downy Woodpeckers have at least one fledgling. The male has been bringing it to the finch feeder for sunflower chips most afternoons. The youngster has red on TOP of its head.
The Northern Cardinals fledged today about 2:00 pm. The adults had been calling a lot to the chicks through the morning. We were outside working around the pond picking up sticks and weeding, cleaning the filter, etc. I said, "I really think the chicks must be ready to fledge, let's leave them to it." Sure enough, as we had our late lunch in the gazebo, we saw one fly from the arbor area up to a branch in the Sugar Maple, right above the stream bed! A second one was already higher in the tree, maybe that's what all the fuss was about. We left them alone after I got these few photos.
The long distance migrating birds have moved on through. Now, here's a bit of history. At dusk on October 8, 2002, I saw a Connecticut Warbler at our bubbler, just standing there looking at the bubble. It did not take a step. That's right - it WALKS. It doesn't hop. But I had to leave as we were going out to dinner. I reported what I saw and it's recorded as a late fall record for that species.
In May of 2016 and 2018, I heard a Connecticut Warbler singing under the deck, but never could find it. As soon as I opened the door, it went quiet. However, this May brought another sighting of this rare transient.
On Monday, May 27, I had been working on the front porch, setting up the small fountain. About 1:30 pm, I came inside and sat at the table with Dan just in time to see a two-bird skirmish. One bird popped out of a viburnum next to the bubbler, up onto a branch of the hackberry just above. Grabbed my binoculars and bam! Connecticut Warbler! Yellow underneath, blue-gray hood with bright white eye-ring. Had a 2-second look, it kept moving along the branch. Turned, grabbed the camera and went outside. I could not find the bird again. I looked for 3 1/2 hours to no avail. It had gotten breezy, the bird kept on moving. So, that was my first-of-year (FOY) Bird #113.
I was not able to photograph it but I found a photo that shows the bird in almost exactly the same position the I saw it in.
Connecticut Warbler - side view
Maybe, some day, before I die, the stars will align...
Third week of May 5-23-19
Summer is nigh, the Eastern Wood-Pewee has been calling. Migrants are still passing through, albeit less obviously than last week. And, some baby birds have begun to leave their nests.
A Canada Warbler was feeding in the elm above the bubbler, far more interested in feeding than bathing. So this photo is all I could manage to grab of it.
Last year, I had males that were more easily seen, such as this one. The most important thing is that it was here and finding food!
A Wilson's Warbler showed up early one morning, interested in the water and then foraged for caterpillars.
As I watched it, at one point it flew higher up in an oak and settled on a branch. Warblers are so quick and active, I was curious as to its purpose. Was it just looking for a new spot from which to find more food? It just sat there for a couple minutes and actually closed its inner eyelid, the nictitating membrane. It was taking a little catnap! Perhaps this bird has been here before.
Migrants fly overnight and then drop into areas with large trees to find food in the morning, staying a day, sometimes several days until the winds are right and they move on. Apparently, this bird was secure enough in its surroundings to feel safe and able to rest. This is the first time I've documented this behavior in a warbler. What happens right here in our little patch never ceases to amaze me!
Here is an interesting story about that extra eyelid: If only I had eyelids like a bird
At the other end of the size spectrum, we've had a pair of Broad-winged Hawks circling over the yard, the male calling with its high-pitched whistle. They seem to be settling into the neighborhood to nest, not moving on as most of them do. One of the pair has been coming to the pond to bathe. I saw it briefly today, these photos are from a week ago.
So, it's time to welcome the new neighbors. It will be interesting to see more of these hawks. They are smaller than the Red-shouldered but larger than a Cooper's Hawk. Mostly, they eat frogs, toads, and small rodents but their diet is varied.
You can read more here: Broad-winged Hawk
I heard a small flycatcher on Wednesday morning, calling 'chuwee-chuwee' several times. "Wait, wait...don't tell me." It was a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, #112 for the year. I found it later near the bubbler and in a small dogwood.
We make accommodations here for nesting birds. By that I mean, we do our best not to disturb them. We really want them to be successful here in raising their young. The Eastern Phoebes did build a nest under the gazebo in a protected place. I had photographed the nest back on April 17 when it looked nearly complete. I suspected the female began laying eggs shortly after that but I decided not to risk calling undue attention to the nest by getting on a ladder to check. After a few weeks, I could see feathered lumpkins. I would take a quick look at the nest with my binoculars, all the while the parents would chirp at the chicks as if to say, "Be still, we're here!"
The last few days the chicks have been perching on the edge of the nest. They looked so plump and ready to fledge. Now the chirping parents seemed more emphatic, "Don't jump! Not yet!" It was important that we did not spook the birds at this point when they couldn't quite fly and would be vulnerable to predators.
I had never been quite certain on the head count. Some days, it looked like four, some days like three chicks in the nest. Like I said, it was in a well-protected spot, and it had even less light as the leaves filled out on the trees.
Thursday, I checked about 11 am and saw 3 chicks. After I filled the hummingbird feeders, I looked again and saw just 2 chicks. One of the adults was foraging in the garden and came up with a larva of some sort about 1:45 pm.
Dan checked the nest about 3:00 pm and said it was empty! Today was definitely fledging day! I found the sweet little things on low branches in a buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). This shrub gave them perfect cover. Four were in one area when a parent came close to check. Then, I found a fifth chick on a slightly higher branch! What a successful nesting!
The parent came back with some food for a ready babe. They are flycatchers, but I have also seen them eat earthworms. The heavy rains have made them available. With five mouths to feed, every resource is utilized.
After feeding, these two napped. The three siblings started to fly, approaching the other waiting parent. The fourth soon followed.
Yes, almost unbelievably, these little wings were ready for takeoff. All five adventurers were now on their way, exploring their new world.
Habitat = Food, Water, Places to Rest and to Nest
They all need somewhere to be, for a day, for the summer, all year. Why not your yard?
To view all the photos from this last week, begin here: May 15, 2019
Second week of May, 2019
May has brought some welcome surprises this year! Last Wednesday, a dull yellow warbler came down through the canopy. I had not seen one of this species for seven years. It was a female Hooded Warbler! It didn't stay long, but what a thrill to see this rare migrant show up here.
Here's a video from April 18, 2012 when a male Hooded Warbler took a bath in the swampy thicket. Striking bird!
The rains have made visits to the Bubbler less frequent but Black-and-white Warblers have been checking it out. The male has more black on its face.
Birds have been feeding heavily in the wet canopy all week long. It was a thrill to watch a Golden-winged Warbler finding caterpillars to eat on the wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). The Golden-winged Warbler is a species of high conservation concern so I am always glad to have them here to rest and to feed.
The hydrangeas are mature enough to attract a small moth called the Hydrangea Leaf-tier Moth (Olethreutes ferriferana). The moth lays eggs on the leaves and the caterpillars cement two leaves together with their silk, forming a protective purse for them to feed on and grow in. Fascinating! This pouch is also called an "Oddball". I've seen Blue-winged, Nashville, Tennessee Warblers and Common Yellowthroats feed on these as well. Look closely, there is a tiny caterpillar on the bird's bill.
Here is more on the moth: Hydrangea Leaf-tier moth
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been in the trees eating caterpillars and at the feeders eating lots of seed! The female is brownish, the male quite spectacular in contrast.
A pair of Broad-winged Hawks has been in the neighborhood, hunting and resting before moving on. One has been in the sugar maple by the pond on at least two occasions. They've also been seen circling high over the yard together.
On Tuesday, 5-14-19, a few warblers finally came to bathe. There are so many puddles around, it was nice to see them come in. A gorgeous Blackburnian Warbler, the "Firethroat" was first.
It was soon followed by a Golden-winged Warbler, which made my day. To know this bird especially is finding everything it needs right now is pure joy.
An American Redstart was followed by a Tennessee Warbler. Then, a Chestnut-sided Warbler had a love affair with the Bubble!
There was a new arrival yesterday, a Canada Warbler, FOY #111. I heard it when I went out early and watched it foraging. However, the roaring noise from various machines in the neighborhood seemed to drive the birds away. Maybe this morning will bring peace and they'll return! We can only hope...
To view the many photos from the last week, begin here: Second week of May birds