We recently lost some goldfish to the local heron. We came up with the idea
of buying a thickish plastic netting (with a big mesh about 6.5cm [3 ins]
that is used to fix climbing plants to a wall) and laying this netting just
below the surface of the pond so that it did not look too conspicous.

The other day out of the two fish in the pond we found one fish missing and
the other laying on the lawn nearby. We are wondering If it was the heron
again? It is the only culprit we can think of here [london, u.k.]. We
thought that the netting would have been too worrying for the heron, as we
have been told that even some fishing line placed around the edge of a pond
puts it in fear of a trap.

The main part of this question is that there are minute black fish still in
the pond, which must be baby goldfish. There is also a frog (or is it a
toad we dont know how to tell) in the pond. Are these very tiny fish in
danger of being eaten by the frog or anything else?
If so then we would bring them indoors to a tank. Thanks for any advice.

"john royce" wrote in message
...
We recently lost some goldfish to the local heron. We came up with the

idea of buying a thickish plastic netting (with a big mesh about 6.5cm
[3
ins] that is used to fix climbing plants to a wall) and laying this
netting just below the surface of the pond so that it did not look too
conspicous.

It can gillnet and kill your fish. Better to put it at least 8" or more
above the water.


The other day out of the two fish in the pond we found one fish missing

and the other laying on the lawn nearby. We are wondering If it was t
he
heron again? It is the only culprit we can think of here [london, u.k.
].
We thought that the netting would have been too worrying for the heron,
as
we have been told that even some fishing line placed around the edge of
a
pond puts it in fear of a trap.

The main part of this question is that there are minute black fish stil
l
in the pond, which must be baby goldfish. There is also a frog (or is
it
a toad we dont know how to tell) in the pond. Are these very tiny fish
in
danger of being eaten by the frog or anything else?

Frogs will eat them when they're big enough to catch their attention.

If so then we would bring them indoors to a tank. Thanks for any
advice.

Stretch a fine black bird net over the water supported by those cheap
plastic or metal garden fences. They're 100% effective in keeping water
birds and large frogs out of your pond.
--
RM....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
rec.ponder since late 1996.
Zone 6. Middle TN USA
~~~~ }((((* ~~~ }{{{{(ö

On 13 Aug, 20:33, "john royce" wrote:
We recently lost some goldfish to the local heron. We came up with the
idea
of buying a thickish plastic netting (with a big mesh about 6.5cm [3 ins]
that is used to fix climbing plants to a wall) and laying this netting ju
st
below the surface of the pond so that it did not look too conspicous.

The other day out of the two fish in the pond we found one fish missing a
nd
the other laying on the lawn nearby. We are wondering If it was the
heron
again?

Probably unless your local cats have got lucky.

It is the only culprit we can think of here [london, u.k.]. We
thought that the netting would have been too worrying for the heron, as w
e
have been told that even some fishing line placed around the edge of a po
nd
puts it in fear of a trap.

Depends on the heron I think. Fish line around the edges and over the
pond seemed to help when I tried it. They don't see the line and walk/
fly into it. I suspect a net under the water wouldn't make much
difference as they'd just stand on the edge.

I've also got a plastic heron which, to my surprise, seems to be
working.

The main part of this question is that there are minute black fish still
in
the pond, which must be baby goldfish. There is also a frog (or is it
a
toad we dont know how to tell) in the pond.

Theres not much difference between UK frogs and toads. Frogs are more
aquatic so if its in the pond, its probably a frog. If its in the
flower beds, its probably a toad.

Are these very tiny fish in
danger of being eaten by the frog or anything else?
If so then we would bring them indoors to a tank.

The might frogs will have some of them but enough normally survive to
give you more than enough fish without taking any special precautions.

Matt

matthelliwell wrote:
-snip-
Theres not much difference between UK frogs and toads. Frogs are more
aquatic so if its in the pond, its probably a frog. If its in the
flower beds, its probably a toad.

Unless the toads are mating-- Then either it will be a male screaming
24-7 for a female. Or it will be 2 toads playing piggy-back.g.
After a couple or 3 days the toads return to the flowerbed. To be
joined in a couple months by hundreds of tiny-toads.


Are UK toads this obnoxious when calling for a mate?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yls89cI-G-M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6-8pC8o5fw
[it was cute the first evening-- but by midnight it was wearing thin.
.. . by day 3 I was beginning to think evil thoughts. . . then it
left]


Jim

On Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:33:47 EDT, "john royce"
wrote:

We recently lost some goldfish to the local heron. We came up with the idea
of buying a thickish plastic netting (with a big mesh about 6.5cm [3 ins]
that is used to fix climbing plants to a wall) and laying this netting just
below the surface of the pond so that it did not look too conspicous.

The netting needs to be above the pond, high enough the heron can't jab
through.

If you're concerned about looks. Fishing line around the edges but far
enough away from the pond that the heron can't reach over would be better,
imho. I have fishing line going from my upper deck to the top of a 6 foot
fence plus flashy bird tape. Then a short plastic chain fence so the heron
can't walk up. It has worked here... and for good measure a motion
sprinkler, but I don't think the herons have even bothered to land to test
that.

puts it in fear of a trap.

Being a protected bird, I don't think they even know what a trap is, as who
ever traps them?

If so then we would bring them indoors to a tank. Thanks for any advice.

Wouldn't hurt to bring a few inside if you can. ~ jan

------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us