Aquatic plants need this much light to grow well. This will also help with any flowering plants that you may plant around the pond. Ponds placed in shady areas tend collect leaves which will lower oxygen levels as they decay. Just as with the birdbaths, ponds can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. A half of a whiskey barrel filled with water and a few plants can be effective, or you can build a large concrete structure with pumps and a fountain if you like.
Most backyard ponds fall somewhere in between.
Deciding what type of pond you want is one of the first decisions you will have to make. If your yard has a clay soil that will hold water, you can dig the pond any shape you want and fill it with water. If the soil in your yard will not hold water, flexible plastic liners are available that allow you to shape the pond as you wish, and the liner will hold the water. Pre-formed plastic and fiberglass ponds are available that only require a hold dug to fit the mold. Choosing a type that you feel you will enjoy most is important.