Herons Eat $200 Koi from Homeowner’s Pond

A Brockton, Massachusetts homeowner was recently stunned to discover a great blue heron hulking over her Koi pond. The large, long-billed bird was sizing up its prey, ready to strike. One of her neighbors said that the heron had raided 10 of his fish. The birds often invade backyard ponds during the warmer months looking for a quick meal, a meal that cost pond owners upwards of $200 each. The pond owner decided to build a PVC cover with chicken wire to protect her investment from the winged culprits, which stand over 4 feet tall, with an imposing 6-foot wingspan. Ornithologists note that herons often attack Koi ponds, even in urban areas.

Herons area skilled and patient hunters, stalking their prey slowly through the water, then remaining motionless until a fish swims by. A quick stab with its sharp bill and the Koi is history.

Initial steps to protect costly Koi from becoming a Heron meal include adding floating vegetation and underwater structures for fish to hide under, and to provide enough water depth for the pond. Of course, the best way to keep fish safe form herons and cranes is to bird-proof the pond. Here’s what the bird control experts at Bird-B-Gone recommend:

Pond Defender™

A plastic disc that floats just below the water’s surface, Bird-B-Gone’s Pond Defender™ provides a safe haven for fish, protecting them against herons and cranes. The Pond Defender installs in a snap and consists of 12 interlocking plastic discs to create an aesthetic geometric shape, one that effectively blocks out fish predators. The discs virtually disappear below the water’s surface and fit easily into any shape pond. Installation is easy using the supplied clips, and discs can be arranged to fit most ponds or water gardens.  For best results, use two rows of Pond Defender discs to prevent large birds from reaching into the pond and attacking your fish. The discs can be easily removed for cleaning. The Pond Defender is built to last and made of a UV- protected plastic (polypropylene) that will permit your plants to grow through its geometric openings.

Bird Scare Visual Deterrents

Easy to use and install, Bird Scare Visual Deterrents create an “Optical Distraction Zone” that keeps birds away from ponds and other water features. Choose reflective foils that crackle in the breeze, shiny tape banners that crinkle in the wind, or balloons with huge predator eyes that bob and weave. These deterrents can easily be attached to fence posts, tree limbs, patio covers or any elevated area. Balloons can also be partially filled with water and allowed to skim the surface of your pond to keep pest birds away. Visual Bird Deterrents like these are designed to make pest birds feel threatened and uncomfortable. You'll need to move these deterrents around from time to time to keep birds from getting used to them.

For additional advice on how to keep birds away from your pond or water feature, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

Bird Proofing Ball Parks

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds love a good game, particularly if the fans buy them snacks. Which explains why the Tigers-Mets Sunday Series Finale game in 2007 was invaded by a flock of about 50 seagulls. They made their way inside Comerica Park--mostly in the outfield--during the first inning, and about half of those stuck around for the rest of the game. Sean Casey indicated he had the same two gulls at first base during the entire game.

In 2009, dozens of ring-billed gulls invaded Wrigley Field late in a game. The invasion provided a spectacle for fans but annoyed ballpark management. Flying birds and seagulls also invaded the San Francisco Giants Ballpark, dive-bombing facilities crews after the game.

In Cleveland, seagulls have repeatedly invaded Progressive Field during major games. The gulls discovered that the ballpark is an ideal place to scavenge a free meal. Ballpark managers aren't exactly pleased to see fans toss half-eaten hot dogs, popcorn pieces and peanut shells at the gulls, inviting the pests to swoop in for a free lunch. The birds love game time and wait patiently on the field for the right time to dive into the stands and grab a discarded meal. There are often hundreds of gulls flying over the field and gathering in the outfield grass. The increase of nesting pairs in Cleveland's 'Flats' on flattop roof buildings is a major problem. The gulls ride the wind currents up the valley walls to the ballpark in search for food scraps to feed their young. Only humane solutions to deter the gulls are under consideration, since the birds are a federally protected species.