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Blue Heron
"Goldlexus" wrote in message news:6%hfi.4946$pT4.3080@trndny06... We have had Koi and goldfish in our pond for 3 years and NEVER had a heron come around here, until, today. My goodness they are big birds! Anyway, he swooped in a got one of the goldfish My daughter saw it and totally freaked out that a bird ate one of our fish. My question is what is a good deterrent? Our setup is a 14 foot high pressure waterfall going down to a 1000 gallon pond. Would putting a small fountain in the middle of the pond deter the heron. He has been back since this afternoon but he knows where he can get a quick meal now. I am sure he will be back. Need suggestions. BTW netting wouldn't be a very good option since we don't have anyplace to secure it. Here is a link to a videos of the pond... http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y26...ndVideowmv.flv I think you can see why we can't really secure a net. I've heard it said that herons are territorial and will not come around when another heron is around. With that in mine, some have suggested placing a Heron statue near the pond. I'm skeptical of this as I've never tried it or needed to (though I did have a large hawk visit my pond last winter, but apparently without incident). But you could try it and see if it works. Netting is the best deterent, but you said that isn't an option, so perhaps others here can give you different advice than I have. One thing that you shouldn't do, of course, is to harm the bird, since it is a protected species. Good luck. George |
#2
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Blue Heron
"George" wrote:
"Goldlexus" wrote in message [ . . . ] I've heard it said that herons are territorial and will not come around when another heron is around. With that in mine, some have suggested placing a Heron statue near the pond. I'm skeptical of this as I've never tried it or needed to (though I did have a large hawk visit my pond last winter, but apparently without incident). But you could try it and see if it works. Netting is the best deterent, but you said that isn't an option, so perhaps others here can give you different advice than I have. One thing that you shouldn't do, of course, is to harm the bird, since it is a protected species. Good luck. I started with a very lifelike Heron statue by the pond. It was of no value. I gave it to a friend in Texas, who now has it watching over his herd of plastic Pink Flamingos in his front yard. Then I got enough garden "hoop" fence to surround the pond, similar to the left hand picture on the 'borders' page at http://www.gardman.co.uk/asp/product...os_borders.asp, but taller. They're steel, covered with green plastic. I think I bought them at Home Depot. The tops were high enough that I was able to attach bird netting to the top, secured with tie wraps near the bottom. No more Heron problem. ;-) HTH -- Nick. Support severely wounded and disabled Veterans and their families! Thank a Veteran and Support Our Troops. You are not forgotten. Thanks ! ! ! ~Semper Fi~ |
#3
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Blue Heron
"Nick Cramer" wrote in message ... Then I got enough garden "hoop" fence to surround the pond, similar to the left hand picture on the 'borders' page at http://www.gardman.co.uk/asp/product...os_borders.asp, but taller. They're steel, covered with green plastic. I think I bought them at Home Depot. The tops were high enough that I was able to attach bird netting to the top, secured with tie wraps near the bottom. No more Heron problem. ;-) ============================== That's how my ponds are covered. I got the "hoop" fence at Wal*Mart. It was something like 10' for $2.99. It keeps the net high enough over the water that heron beaks can't reach the surface no less the fish. Exuberant small jumpers don't gillnet themselves either. -- RM.... Frugal ponding since 1995. rec.ponder since late 1996. My Pond & Aquarium Pages: http://tinyurl.com/9do58 Zone 6. Middle TN USA ~~~~ }((((* ~~~ }{{{{(ö |
#4
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Blue Heron
We thought the fishing line sounded good too - then we watched the
heron tip toe over and thru the fishing line. We then moved on to netting the pond. That worked, although the heron was able to stab a fish thru the net but couldn't extract it. The fish did survive but does carry a scar. Now we rely on the motion detector and haven't seen a heron since it was installed. Proves that it is a trial and error procedure to find out what works for your pond. Glad you found a solution that works! k :-) |
#5
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Blue Heron
Bonnie in NJ wrote:
We thought the fishing line sounded good too - then we watched the heron tip toe over and thru the fishing line. We then moved on to netting the pond. That worked, although the heron was able to stab a fish thru the net but couldn't extract it. The fish did survive but does carry a scar. Now we rely on the motion detector and haven't seen a heron since it was installed. I bet you're happier dealing with the sprinkler than the net anyway. ;-) ~ jan ------------ Zone 7a, SE Washington State Ponds: www.jjspond.us |
#6
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Blue Heron
"~ jan" wrote in message ... I bet you're happier dealing with the sprinkler than the net anyway. ;-) ~ jan ======================== Unfortunately the sprinklers wont work on the snapper turtles, water snakes, bullfrogs and Kingfishers. If the hose pops while you're gone for the day or a weekend, expect a large water bill. -- RM.... Frugal ponding since 1995. rec.ponder since late 1996. My Pond & Aquarium Pages: http://tinyurl.com/9do58 Zone 6. Middle TN USA ~~~~ }((((* ~~~ }{{{{(ö |
#7
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Blue Heron
On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:57:14 CST, "Reel McKoi" wrote:
======================== Unfortunately the sprinklers wont work on the snapper turtles, water snakes, bullfrogs and Kingfishers. If the hose pops while you're gone for the day or a weekend, expect a large water bill. Well.... in this particular thread we were not talking about those critters. So let's not poo poo something that works, just because it doesn't work for you or your situation. ;-) As Kathy said in her post, each pond is unique and not every pond is like mine or yours. Thus when it is a heron or any critter the size of a robin on up that stands by the pond, sprinklers DO work. I'm sure it goes off when the Kingfisher strikes, but the bird probably is too fast in dive mode to be diverted. As far as the hose popping off, I've NEVER had that happen in the years I was using a hose. To free up use of a hose though, DS hard piped all my motion sprinkler connections and put the pipe under ground directly to the spot I wanted. I've been using 2 of them now between 5-7 years, never a problem. No different in my mind than running ones automated sprinklers. And as far as going OOT, one should ALWAYS have a pond sitter anyway. Now let's talk about the cons of nets: Ugly, unless it is possible to make it taunt. In the way, unless one can put it high overhead. Too low the heron strikes thru and the plants grow thru and get tangled. If not taunt enough leaves lay on it and droop into the water, gill netting fish or just polluting the water like a tea bag. If too high, or any accidental openings, a heron will fly in and walk under. Shall I go on? I have some real ponders stories I could share. ~ jan ------------ Zone 7a, SE Washington State Ponds: www.jjspond.us |
#8
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Blue Heron
I bet you're happier dealing with the sprinkler than the net anyway. ;-) ~ jan ------------ Zone 7a, SE Washington State Ponds:www.jjspond.us We've all gotten sprinkled - don't mind it especially in the heat. It's much better than looking at the netting. Bonnie NJ |
#9
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Blue Heron
Thanks for the advice, I may try some fishing line. That would be managable
with our pond set up. Another question, are there certain times of day that they may come around? Haven't seen the booger since he nabbed the one goldfish. The fish don't seem skidish either perhaps it happened so fast they don't even know there were/are in danger. Also, why on earth after having these fish for over 3 years did a heron show up.? Never seen one before today. "George" wrote in message ... "Goldlexus" wrote in message news:6%hfi.4946$pT4.3080@trndny06... We have had Koi and goldfish in our pond for 3 years and NEVER had a heron come around here, until, today. My goodness they are big birds! Anyway, he swooped in a got one of the goldfish My daughter saw it and totally freaked out that a bird ate one of our fish. My question is what is a good deterrent? Our setup is a 14 foot high pressure waterfall going down to a 1000 gallon pond. Would putting a small fountain in the middle of the pond deter the heron. He has been back since this afternoon but he knows where he can get a quick meal now. I am sure he will be back. Need suggestions. BTW netting wouldn't be a very good option since we don't have anyplace to secure it. Here is a link to a videos of the pond... http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y26...ndVideowmv.flv I think you can see why we can't really secure a net. I've heard it said that herons are territorial and will not come around when another heron is around. With that in mine, some have suggested placing a Heron statue near the pond. I'm skeptical of this as I've never tried it or needed to (though I did have a large hawk visit my pond last winter, but apparently without incident). But you could try it and see if it works. Netting is the best deterent, but you said that isn't an option, so perhaps others here can give you different advice than I have. One thing that you shouldn't do, of course, is to harm the bird, since it is a protected species. Good luck. George |
#10
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Blue Heron
"Goldlexus" wrote in message
news:7Nnfi.507$ss5.224@trndny03... Thanks for the advice, I may try some fishing line. That would be managable with our pond set up. Another question, are there certain times of day that they may come around? Haven't seen the booger since he nabbed the one goldfish. The fish don't seem skidish either perhaps it happened so fast they don't even know there were/are in danger. Also, why on earth after having these fish for over 3 years did a heron show up.? Never seen one before today. A lot of the country is in a drought, so he may have initially been attracted by the water, then found that there were easy pickings there. George "George" wrote in message ... "Goldlexus" wrote in message news:6%hfi.4946$pT4.3080@trndny06... We have had Koi and goldfish in our pond for 3 years and NEVER had a heron come around here, until, today. My goodness they are big birds! Anyway, he swooped in a got one of the goldfish My daughter saw it and totally freaked out that a bird ate one of our fish. My question is what is a good deterrent? Our setup is a 14 foot high pressure waterfall going down to a 1000 gallon pond. Would putting a small fountain in the middle of the pond deter the heron. He has been back since this afternoon but he knows where he can get a quick meal now. I am sure he will be back. Need suggestions. BTW netting wouldn't be a very good option since we don't have anyplace to secure it. Here is a link to a videos of the pond... http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y26...ndVideowmv.flv I think you can see why we can't really secure a net. I've heard it said that herons are territorial and will not come around when another heron is around. With that in mine, some have suggested placing a Heron statue near the pond. I'm skeptical of this as I've never tried it or needed to (though I did have a large hawk visit my pond last winter, but apparently without incident). But you could try it and see if it works. Netting is the best deterent, but you said that isn't an option, so perhaps others here can give you different advice than I have. One thing that you shouldn't do, of course, is to harm the bird, since it is a protected species. Good luck. George |
#11
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Blue Heron
On Jun 24, 6:45 am, "Goldlexus" wrote:
Thanks for the advice, I may try some fishing line. That would be managable with our pond set up. We thought the fishing line sounded good too - then we watched the heron tip toe over and thru the fishing line. We then moved on to netting the pond. That worked, although the heron was able to stab a fish thru the net but couldn't extract it. The fish did survive but does carry a scar. Now we rely on the motion detector and haven't seen a heron since it was installed. Bonnie NJ |
#12
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Blue Heron
... when you arent there.
the Pond Lady had several ponds for at least 20-30 years and Sandhill cranes everywhere... no herons. all of a sudden she got hit and they kept coming back. once they find you they tell all their friends too. Ingrid On Sun, 24 Jun 2007 04:45:26 CST, "Goldlexus" wrote: Another question, are there certain times of day that they may come around? |
#13
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Blue Heron
it doesnt work when they are hungry.
On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:59:07 CST, "George" wrote: I've heard it said that herons are territorial and will not come around when another heron is around. |
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