Blue Herons are great
at catching gophers and ground squirrels as well as fish and frogs.
They can at times be a pest. Due to the Blue Heron's protected
status water gardens need to be
built in a way that the Heron's are not hurt. The fish are usually
smart enough to utilize cover if it exists. I often put drainage
tiles on the bottom of small ponds if they don't contain plants so the
fish have a place to hide. In areas that are open to the birds I do
not use expensive fish. These ponds are also likely visited by
raccoons. Nets over the water can be used but
this is quite an eyesore and they often get leaves, moss and debris on
them. I have had clients with motion sensor equipped sprinkler heads
that will come on for a short burst when raccoons or large birds arrive at the
pond.
This
image is available in high resolution and is part of our stock photo
collection.
