Photographer recreates a pond to photograph wildlife during different seasons

Observing and photographing animals and insects is one of the most calming activities I can think of. For me, it’s a step to feeling more connected to nature and the world around me and understanding the local ecosystem better. And when plants and a bee hotel on my balcony help birds or bees, I feel extra happy.

If you have enough space and time, and you’re willing to invest some effort, you can build a pond of your own and help an entire community of plants, animals, and insects. As a reward, you’ll get to observe as it changes with the seasons, you’ll understand how a closed ecosystem works, and not to mention: you’ll get a chance to take countless splendid photos! This is exactly what photographer Stefano Ianiro did, and he recorded the entire process. And I promise you, this is the most calming video you’ll watch all day.

Stefano started, obviously, by digging a hole for his pond, lining it, and filling it with water. He planted some local wildflowers to make a meadow for bees and other insects to feed on when the time comes. He made a little sand bath for the birds, too, as well as bird houses so they could build their nests. Of course, he made himself a blind from some old wooden palettes: he needed a place to take his photos and videos. He made one side suitable for standing and the other for sitting and covered the whole thing with camouflage netting. It was so cleverly built, that he even made a tiny garden on top of it.

When everything was set and the plants started growing, the first inhabitants and visitors started coming to Stefano’s pond. In the video, you can see the progress and changes of the pond life as seasons go by. It may seem so ordinary, but I was fascinated to watch the flawless functioning of an ecosystem and how different species interacted. Of course, Stefano added a bunch of beautiful video clips he filmed during different seasons at the pond. And honestly, it felt equally exciting and captivating as watching any BBC documentary about animals. So, I suggest you take a 15-minute break, sit back, and enjoy this amazing video.