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Gray herons eat fish and make no difference whether they hunt in a natural body of water or in the garden pond. Whoever has expensive fish in the pond would like to scare away the heron. These remedies have proven helpful in repelling herons.

In a nutshell

  • Common heron
  • besides fish, they also eat insects, amphibians and small mammals
  • in the garden pond they count as pests, since they don't stop at ornamental fish
  • Defense is not easy, but possible
  • A variety of countermeasures are available

way of life of the heron

Gray herons inhabit open shore landscapes on small and large bodies of water. They make no distinction between flowing and standing water or fresh and salt water. The only decisive factor is access to shallow water, in which they hunt as wading birds. The range of prey is relatively large and includes

  • Insects,
  • small mammals,
  • fish and
  • amphibians.
The gray heron nests in treetops, usually in colonies. This means that there is no risk that it will breed in the garden.

At the garden pond

Herons do not actually live in small garden ponds, but they particularly like to use them as hunting grounds for two reasons:

  • usually not too deep and therefore perfectly suited for wading birds
  • are particularly interested in smaller fish (they usually do not prey on adult koi)

The heron prefers ponds that are undisturbed and quiet. There he lurks on the shore for prey and is quickly driven away by the noise.

Measures to defend against herons

The simplest defense is presence. As long as there is movement around the pond and someone is present, a heron will not venture there because they are shy birds. Even a dog with access to the garden can effectively drive away gray herons.

Without a dog, it is not easy to guard the garden pond all day long. So presence should be feigned. This is done by:

  • Motion detectors that provide light, noise or movement (water jet is sprayed).
  • reflective surfaces that throw back the sun's rays (CDs in trees, for example, in larger ponds also objects on the water surface)
  • Defense against noise (wind chimes and the like)
Dog at the garden pond

Notice: The heron must not have the opportunity to get used to the defensive measures, so they must be used alternately and constantly modified.

pond cover

Nets not only reliably keep herons away from ponds, they also ensure that no other animals have access to the water and that autumn leaves do not fall in.

It is difficult with richly planted ponds, especially in the bank area. Nets are then difficult to attach. Another disadvantage is the possibility of birds getting caught in the net.

dummy

Where there is one heron, no other will hunt. For this reason, heron figures at the pond are very effective as a defence. However, they must be modeled very closely on the original, not only in appearance but also in size. It can also help to switch the shape often so that herons don't get used to it.

Heron dummy in the garden

electric fences

Fences are only effective as a means of deterring herons when the pond is not so shallow that a heron can land directly in the water. A live fence requires fence posts, wires and a power device.

manual

  • Surround the edge of the pond with fence posts
  • Don't choose too big a distance
  • Remove grass and larger vegetation between the posts
  • possibly mow
  • Stretch wires between the posts
  • tension one or more wires at different heights depending on the species to be kept away
  • Connect the power device to the wires, remembering to ground
  • regularly check that the power device is still working

If only herons are to be kept away, it is sufficient if the electricity is on during the day, gray herons are not active at night. If the pond is also endangered by cats or other animals, it must also be protected at night.

Notice: The current is so weak that it does not directly endanger people or animals. However, it is enough to drive away unwanted animals.

Structural measures

A somewhat unusual measure to defend against herons is to install a platform in the pond itself, under which the fish can hide. This platform can be made of wood and then floats on the water surface. The wood is varnished in such a way that it is not destroyed by the water.

Another possibility is a fixed platform above the water surface. As soon as a heron appears at the pond, the fish naturally feel the need to hide from the hunter. Therefore, a dense cover of floating plants can also be helpful as a defence.

Many aquatic plants on the pond surface (here: water lilies) can offer protection to the pond inhabitants and make it difficult for them to hunt.

Actions not allowed and ineffective

You should definitely observe the following if you do not want to make yourself liable to prosecution:

  • catch, kill or hunt not allowed
  • The use of traps (including live traps) or poisoned bait is prohibited

Trying to enlist the help of a hunter will do no good even if herons are allowed to be hunted, as most garden ponds are found in residential areas.

Scarecrows are also usually not effective for long because the birds get used to them and then stop taking them seriously.

frequently asked Questions

Is the heron protected?

It enjoys the same protection as all other European birds. The bird must not be harmed, the same applies to the brood. The gray heron falls under the hunting law, with a year-round closed season in some federal states.

Do the herons appear in flocks?

The heron hunts alone, especially in small bodies of water. Conspecifics are even expelled very rigorously.

Does the heron have natural enemies?

Since it is a large bird, it has few enemies. The juveniles are hunted by larger birds of prey. Sometimes the marten steals eggs. Most of the young animals do not survive the first year.

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Category:

Animals in the garden