Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Creating the food chain Seagull Impact on Forage Fish

I recently stocked 100lbs of FHM and 20lbs of shiners and was thrilled to be able to walk around the edge of the pond and see something other than tadpoles in the water.

Then about a week ago a very large number of Seagulls showed up (had to be at least a 100) and decided to stay for a while. I was horrified as I watched them sit on top of exposed fish cover (my pond is still filling) and pluck out my FHMs. They would also swoop down and pluck them out of open water.

It took a week before "Mr. Remington" and I convinced the flock that it was not in their best interest to hang around. But now when I walk around the edge of the water I do not see a single minnow.

I know the gulls couldn't have gotten them all, but can anyone give my insight on how much damage seagulls can do? Any repellents or deterents that work?

...and I thought Geese where a nuisance!

Thanks,
Art

arond,

A long time ago I grew on the shores of Lake Superior in Northern Wisconsin. The regional landfill was on the lake shore just outside of town. I also spent six years in Uncle Sam's Navy. I've spent way too much time watching seagulls. I don't know a whole lot about them, but I'm not sure there is much they won't eat -- dead or alive.

Just a note -- seagulls are federally protected. Most states and municipalities also protect them.

Although they could have eaten all your FHMs, I figure the minnows got smart. They probably quickly head for cover and deep water at the sight of any shadows.

I know they are difficult to control when they decide to invade. Google "Seagull Deterrents." There are a lot of suggestions. I can't vouch for any of them.

Sorry I haven't been much help. Hopefully, one of our other members has some suggestions on how to keep the crazy white birds away from your pond.

Good luck, and keep us informed. Tell us a little more about your pond and plans.

Ken

Agree with Cat about the minnows hiding.

Yeah, they are a protected species.

However, so are Chicken Hawks. And, if a hawk was getting my chickens, I doubt that I would call whatever or whoever is in charge of hawks. I would probably eliminate the problem and keep my big mouth shut. BTW, I neither own or wish to own any chickens.

Would you say that you had a flock of seagulls?


On a serious note birds can be an extreme nuisance. Occasionally we are plagued by Canadian Geese. I hate it when they happen.

Ahem - Canada geese. City boy....

I'll just say I'm REALLY happy the 80s are over!

Curse you, JHAP! Because of you I had to go to YouTube and now look what you've done! I can't get this tune out of my head!

Dang JHAP'S Fault!!!!!!

Right, next you're gonna tell me that the capital of Canada isn't Toronto.

Like maple syrup, Canada's evil (geese) oozes over the United States

No offense to our Canadian Pond Boss brethren.

and Iran, Iran is so far awaaaayyyy.

HA! See if you'll get that out of your head anytime soon Todd.

"Space Age Love Song" was a gem in my 7th grade makeout soundtrack...

I saw FOS open for the Police in Omaha in 82 or 83 and their final word before leaving the stage was "Next year the Police are going to open for us!" I immediately redubbed my TDK CRO2 Metal cassette tapes makeout mix and omitted FOS...they simply didn't deserve to be part of my world any longer.

It's been on a constant cycle in my head since you posted!

And I can't stop cracking up at Adam Sandler in the Wedding Singer as he's buying an airline ticket and the counter agent, looking very much like the lead singer of that cursed group says, "Do you like Flock of Seagulls?" To which Sandler replied, "I can see that you do!"

I'm going to go mow the lawn. Maybe I'll stub my toe on something and forget about this whole thing!

Wow, that explains a lot.

You weren't by any chance a Milli Vanilli fan were you?

Ok, I admit it, I'm poking fun at TJ while I'm tormenting Todd, sort of killing two birds with one stone.
As you can tell it's a slow day in bean counting town.

jeg hater måker = I hate seagulls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6byH31rcAg

I'm just surprised you didn't take a shot about Omaha and the police while you were at it! You can probably tell it's a slow day in the law business today as well! I'm seriously going to mow my lawn now! And now I'll probably be singing "Da doo doo doo. Da daa daa daa, is all I have to say to you" and other 80s selections! JHAP! You'll pay for this! Ohhhh, you'll pay!

Actually, I can't back that up at all, but it was cathartic to type it!!!

I intentionally didn't use the phrase "Flock of Seagulls", as growing up in the 80's myself I knew that reference would be made. It was worth the laugh though.

They must not have made much of an impact on spawning as I have millions of tiny fry now visible.

For geese, red driveway reflectors have worked for me. I do need to move them and mix them with other deterents occasionally.