Peter Corser wrote:
Davy wrote:
I have a recent 6m x 5m pond that in its first Spring last year was
completely wrecked by a pair of mallard. We had to mount constant
vigils to chase them off.
So this year it will be temporary green nylon garden netting in the
spring. Can anybody advise me on using netting for this purpose? For
instance do I need to almost 'hermetically' seal the pond or would
the ducks be deterred by netting fixed about a metre over the pond
(just enough to clear the plants) with the sides left open? Or would
it be sufficient to net around the perimeter?

I would be grateful for any advice from anybody with experience.

Davy

We just let them stay and eventually had to remove some of the
pondside fencing to allow the ducklings to get in & out of the pond!

Have had at least 2 different pairs produce 6 broods over the last 5
years (two different ground nest sites) and get regular visits during
the winter - they have us trained - coming up to the patio door and
looking in to see where the feeding machines (us!) are. They are
totally unfazed by the cat as long as he is on the other side of the
glass and have never lost any ducklings to him. Cats going near
ducklings get the full harassment treatment from the parents!

Peter

Update

Our pair were back this morning checking out all the old nest sites, plus
one or two new ones!

Peter
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Peter & Elizabeth Corser
Leighton Buzzard, UK