Apparently a Great Blue Heron problem (1 Viewer)

[AlphaCentauri]

A few months ago my relatives have decided to make a pond in their backyard. The idea was to construct a pond for a gold fish (or a few). They have a medium size backyard, completely paved, it fits a table, a grill and a pond (approximately 2mx2m). The backyard is fenced and has a couple of plants in ponts. Seems to be pretty unattractive to birds. But blue herons dont stop coming and eating the fish. Fish doesnt matter much, but the bottom of the pond is lined with rubber material and people are concerned that blue herons will poke it through... So what do you do to discourage them from popping into the backyard? (the house is also located in downtown, relatively far from a major body of water... if that's relevant at all)

 

[MikeR]

I have heard a theory................but never tried it. Herons tend to land close to, but not directly in ponds. So if you set up some kind of trip wire above a certain height, the Herons won't step over this to get into the pond. If nothing else you should get some entertaining film of people and/or herons falling into the pond.

 

[King Edward]

My grandfather has a goldfish pond, also visited by Herons. He protects the fish by stretching nylon fishing line from metal posts about 2' high positioned around the edge of the pond. The line goes all round the edge and also back and forth across the middle - it works pretty well.

 

[AlphaCentauri]

Thanks we'll give it a try