Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Get a Heron Decoy They Said

... So we did.  Dayle installed him in the creek above the waterfall and weighted him down with big rocks.  Yesterday evening we downloaded the trail cam card onto my laptop and I started looking through the images... do YOU see what I see?


This huge prehistoric monster fish murderer and eater (Great Blue Heron) decided to check out the new resident to the pond... I've decided to name him.. "Jack the Ripper".  


He landed and walked around checking "her" out.  


Say.. come here often?  What's your name? What's your sign?


See how big I am?  Are you scared?


I'm such a big mean koi killer!


They say they are solitary hunters.  Jack seems to be attracted to "Jill".  Most importantly, he is not one bit bothered by the decoy.  Hmph.  


And here is one of the best videos our trail cam recorded.  

Now what?  Water cannon?  Guard dog?  Air horn?

((hugs)), Teresa :-)  

 

19 comments:

  1. All of the above. He is very determined isn't he. I can't believe the decoy doesn't bother him in the slightest. If it was summer I would suggest moving a deckchair out there and sitting there all day :) Hopefully he will get fed up soon and move on. CJ xx

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  2. Well, at least he did not eat the koi, right? Sorry, I have no idea how to get him to stay away! Good luck!

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  3. Did a bit of googling seems it is a common problem for pond owners!! Right but that doesn't get rid of Jack!! You may have already searched on the web for possible solutions but I thought I would send you this link all the same. https://www.thepondguy.com/product/learning-center-pl-article-how-to-deter-herons/learning-center-pl-predator-control I think the scare tactics they mention on this page sounds like one of the easier options to me...it indicates "scare them away with a spray of water using a motion-activated sprinkler" Hope this helps! Amanda x

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  4. Isn't a trail cam fun?! We have one by our pond and have really enjoyed being able to see so many bird species plus our big bullfrog. Night visits have included the usual deer and a couple of skunks - we were sure shocked!

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  5. Oh goodness. What a brute! Hopefully he will get bored soon and find somewhere else to hang out. Good luck :). B x

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  6. Now I know why they have a big heron statue in the middle of the koi pond in the park. It's the ospreys that do the most damage here though. They are gone for the winter now and they took all their babies with them. Thank goodness. Araignee

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  7. Good grief Teresa very determined grrrrr 🤔🤔😬😬 I would love sitting quietly with hose with fierce sprayer lol Good luck.

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  8. Hi drama!!! I wonder if the spraying water that Amanda mentioned will work to scare him away. I am cheering on your defensive tactics. love and ((hugs))

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    1. Hi Gracie & Teresa I have also read that as it gets colder they migrate so Jack will be off and away soon! However, I bet you he'll be back in Spring!! Hugs!!! Amanda x

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  9. He just plain doesn't care does he? I don't know what to tell you to try next except maybe a motion activated sprinkler or something like that.
    Dennis was just telling me after work tonight that his secretary and her husband installed a trail cam at their cabin on Mt. Spokane last weekend because they knew they had a bear and wanted to watch him. She pulled up the live feed this afternoon to show Dennis and there were TWO black bears wandering around their cabin at that exact time! Whoa! That would be scary.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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  10. Oh dear. I'm afraid no idea what to suggest. Hope you find a solution though. Anne x

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  11. My goodness he is quite something! So bold and full of himself. I've always loved them, but not sure about them now.

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  12. Goodness. Heron is just gonna be there from hair...on out!! Haha! Just kidding. I hope something will finally get him to disappear. Eagle call? A coyote? Take care my friend.
    Becky🍁🍂🌹

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  13. OH DEAR. Such a determined bird. Can you entice it with another food type near by? we have a motion activated sprinkler for keeping four legged animals away from our deck. There is candy dish that makes a creepy noise when you reach into the bowl....and lights and noise hmmmmmm. would you try some lil goldfish in that bowl with the creepy hand?

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  14. Perhaps he knows it isn't a real heron. He is bold and maybe hungry if he is about migrate as others have said. He will be looking for lots of food to build up his energy and I guess he has found an easy supply in your pond, I know that doesn't help you. I wonder what else he eats and whether you could leave that out for him away from the pond to stop him visiting there but still supplying him with some food?

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  15. That heron is huge, probably from all the fish it finds in ponds! Just been enjoying reading back over your last few blog posts. I love all the photos of ornaments, cutlery etc.

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  16. Oh my, he doesn't seem bothered by that decoy! Yikes! He is huge! I hope the Koi survive. Thanks for linking up and have a great week ahead, Teresa!

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