One way to approach a wildlife pond is to think about feeding the predators
too. Stocking fish for herons, kingfishers and various mammals.
They can be fascinating to watch. Every December a kingfisher visits my pond
and has his share of fish. I heard of a bird watching lady who wanted to put in
a pond just to attract herons.

But some folks get attached to their fish and it hurts to see their pets
snarfed up.

Netting is a very effective deterrent but for wildlife it can be dangerous.
Like BV says depth and straight sides helps keep herons at bay, though some
very determined herons will actually float along on the water like a duck and
strike.
A chimney flue at the bottom of the pond gives fish a place to hide once the
intial strike occurs. But as Ingrid says, herons are very patient. Having bird
brains they have little trouble with boredom and are prepared to hang about
waiting for the fish to come out again.
An electric fido shock fence will keep mammals away. But also all the wildlife
you hope to attract.
A motion activated sprinkler works for many ponders. But again also works on
wildlife too.

So I'll go back to my original suggestion and have you include
the predators as invited wildlife and don't get too attached to your fish.


kathy :-)
A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/"Once upon a pond/A