I had a wonderful surprise visitor to my garden at the weekend - a kingfisher!
You can tell from its grubby-looking breast and brownish feet that it's a young bird, probably from a nest in the river valley that's not far away. But what a wonderful treat to see one from my kitchen window.
I thought it would have gone away hungry, but I watched it hover and snatch something from the surface - probably a backswimmer, I think.
I freely admit I'm a bit of a serial pond creator. I think I've had a pond just about everywhere I've lived in the past 10 years (with thanks to various people who've helped, especially my mum and dad...). Ponds have provided the most fun I've had in a garden... I've spent many happy hours watching newts and beetles zooming around under the surface, or dragonflies and damselflies buzzing around above it. And birds have come for a drink and a dip (or a meal).
So I'd definitely recommend creating a pond. We've got lots of tips for you, whether you have a big garden or a little balcony. Have fun giving nature a home, and let us know how you get on.
Lucky you, I hope it returns. The Kingfisher who visits our pond started as an occasional visitor, now it is a regular visitor. Our pond has a lot of Newts and Sticklebacks. I highly recommend Sticklebacks, not only will they provide food for your Kingfisher but they are the fascinating to watch and eat Mosquito larvae.
Build it and they will come.