Pond Predators
© Vicki Paull
One of my favorite memories of the river is my first investigation of a heron rookery. We took an early spring float, before the leaves came out, and spotted the rookery in some large Sycamore trees. I wanted to get a closer look and slowly crept up on them. Well, they saw me coming and when I was standing under them, looking up, they were leaning over, looking down at me, frankly that is as close to a pterodactyl as I ever want to get! They are sort of prehistoric, it was really eerie. As we continued down the river we saw groups of them on the shore (you will only see this in early spring) and several more rookeries. This was all within 10 miles of my home and pond.
What do you do about these beautiful, legally protected, pond raiding birds?
It is not easy to discourage a heron. The Smithsonian magazine noted that herons will eat virtually anything that they can swallow whole. This includes documented cases of herons stalking and eating--get this--prairie dogs, and--gulp--a litter of kittens!
Their natural predators are not numerous, but do include the bald eagle, which will eat young herons, and crows, which will eat the eggs. Strangely enough both bald eagles and crows nest in heron rookeries. Here are a few ideas for pond protection I found, I hope they save a few fish!
Protection:
- Thin wire or fishing line stretched back and forth across the pond several times (No more than 4" apart) can deter them.
- Electric fencing
- A frame covered with 1" x 2" welded wire. Fasten it to the ground. If this is left on at all times, it will also discourage raccoons, dogs, and the neighbors children.
RACCOONS
Raccoons are funny, clever and destructive. They are also extemely adaptable and have learned to survive in the urban environment so prevalent in the world today. The backyard pond, to a raccoon is like the lobster tank at the seafood restaurant to us.
A true omnivore, fish and other aquatics are a natural food of raccoons, along with fruits and vegetables. They like a well- balanced diet.
Did any of you read the children's story about the raccoon in search of gold? I don't remember the name, but it hooked me on raccoons for life. I just love those guys! (By the way the gold was corn not fish!) Unfortunately the little stinkers will eat your fish, and in their efforts to get them, over turn pots of plants and knock rocks
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