Wire over pond?

[The Masked Shadow]

Hello everyone,

I’m wondering if putting thick pieces of wire a couple feet above the water would deter passing herons from eating fish out of a pond.

 

[Fishman Dave]

You can try wire around the edges to stop them wading in or standing by the side but the ones here soon learnt to stand on the decking fence and literally dive into the pond. Had never seen or heard of a heron doing this until it did!
now I use 6” mesh (like a soccer net but larger holes) over the whole pond 2 ft up from the water. Because the mesh holes are so large and black it doesn’t distract from viewing and the 2 ft gap allows other animals access but not the herons ( not seen one belly crawl yet!!)

 

[tlindsey]

not seen one belly crawl yet!!

?

 

[The Masked Shadow]

You can try wire around the edges to stop them wading in or standing by the side but the ones here soon learnt to stand on the decking fence and literally dive into the pond. Had never seen or heard of a heron doing this until it did!
now I use 6” mesh (like a soccer net but larger holes) over the whole pond 2 ft up from the water. Because the mesh holes are so large and black it doesn’t distract from viewing and the 2 ft gap allows other animals access but not the herons ( not seen one belly crawl yet!!)

I don’t have a deck around the pond, so if I hang enough wire will it stop the birds? I also have a dog that protects the house, but most of the time indoors. Would that help?

 

[Fishman Dave]

Both will certainly help, but no guarantees, if they are hungry they get quite resourceful.

 

[duanes]

How deep is the pond (especially around the edges/side?
I had to cut sheer edges at least 2 ft deep, to deter marauders.
Any kind of gradual slope encouraged any fish eaters, from raccoons to birds

 

[jjohnwm]

Put up a scarecrow.

Or set out a few of those shiny mylar windmill toys. I have used those to keep birds away from freshly-sewn grass and wildflower seed.

We've seen your dog. What does he "protect" the house from? Crickets?

 

[The Masked Shadow]

The pond will be 3 feet deep at its shallowest. My dog will bark and run at them, but probably get scared once he’s close lol.

 

[SeabeeShrek]

4’ sides will deter herons and raccoons. The herons wade in 3’