To Break or Not to Break The Ice?....

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by RoyW

I always wonder why people feel that they need to break the ice at all.

Unless the intention is to give land based animals, and garden birds, access to freshwater why should there be any need? Most of the animals that live in freshwater ponds in the UK (and northern Europe) are able to survive for quite long periods during which the ponds are frozen - otherwise they would not have survived so far. Animals that can't survive the weather conditions that we experience shouldn't be here (cold weather is a factor that limits the northerly expansion of some more southerly distributed species).

....It was because of knowing through witnessing, that Water Beetles regularly come up for air, and so do Great Pond Snails, that caused my concern to help their survival as they are a favourite.

I've already broken the ice before the posted replies and so I'll now leave any new ice.

I have a separate tray for birds to drink from, also river water. I will continue breaking that ice of course.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Red Robin

....It was because of knowing through witnessing, that Water Beetles regularly come up for air, and so do Great Pond Snails, that caused my concern to help their survival as they are a favourite.

During winter water beetles and pond snails remain dormant in the sediment at the base of the pond and dont require much oxygen so can survive the winter like this.

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Red Robin

....It was because of knowing through witnessing, that Water Beetles regularly come up for air, and so do Great Pond Snails, that caused my concern to help their survival as they are a favourite.

My comment certainly wasn't meant against you Red Robin - but thanks for explaining!
I guess that it's understandable for people who enjoy watching the wildlife in their garden ponds to worry about it when the ponds freeze over, as I said though, I reckon that the wildlife will survive just fine!

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by RoyW

My comment certainly wasn't meant against you Red Robin - but thanks for explaining!

....No prob, I didn't interpret it as against me. I just have a tendency to explain everything

Originally Posted by RoyW

I guess that it's understandable for people who enjoy watching the wildlife in their garden ponds to worry about it when the ponds freeze over, as I said though, I reckon that the wildlife will survive just fine!

....That pair of Water Beetles aren't just any old wildlife... They carry me in my flying chariot at night time!

As Billy Connolly says: "I'm not a Wildebeest! I'm one of those stripey things that fly. For there are no mirrors on the Serengeti Plains". Check out Billy on Youtube "Wildebeest" vid.

In reality I do spend hours enjoying witnessing how my wildlife pond and rockery evolve. I also bird watch my garden with binoculars several times a day everyday I'm home. Greater Spotted Woodpecker visited two days running last week and wiped out the fat block!

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

During winter water beetles and pond snails remain dormant in the sediment at the base of the pond and dont require much oxygen so can survive the winter like this.

....That's reassuring to know and also educates me - Thanks, Doggy, you're always very helpful