The trees are leafing out and days are warmer. Now is the time when mowing and gardening take up a lot of our time. One unique task is keeping our pond intact and clear of floating moss. This moss can cover almost the entire pond if we don’t address the issue.
We have a floating dispenser that we put fertilizer in which feeds the single cell algae. This will turn the water a beautiful pea green color and shade out the stringy moss that grows up from the bottom. There will still be some of it for cover for the minnows and tadpoles, but it is kept in check so fishing is easier and your hook doesn’t get covered with slimy moss.
Here is a little video that I took while paddling around in my kayak.
https://instagram.com/p/BhjYkbxjUB8/
I also have to paddle around the perimeter and check to see if any muskrats have dug holes in the dam which could jeopardize its integrity. I did find a spot where something had been digging so we will have to fill those holes with dirt and possibly even have to set a trap for the culprit.
While I was typing this, quietly sipping my morning coffee, my husband got out the binoculars and was looking out the window. Asked what he was looking at. We have Canada Geese who nest on a tiny island in the middle of the pond every year. There is a circle of metal that they nest in. Apparently the metal circle tipped over and the eggs were now floating in the water and the geese were up on the shore making a big ruckus. I dragged my kayak to the pond and set everything alright. I don’t know if she will go back to her nest, but I did what I could. They would be ready to hatch any day now. Nothing like a little impromptu kayaking on a chilly morning to wake you up and get your blood flowing.
The island has dwindled to about a 3 foot circle when the pond is full so we may have to add some rocks to it or something before next year’s occupants arrive.
There is always something that needs to be done here at Stillwaters Farm. Thanks for stopping by!
