Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Wildlife Management Blue Heron & Kingfisher

My bluegill are on their nests and just when my Kingfisher problem gets solved, I've got a great blue heron showing up for breakfast every morning around 7 a.m.
Any thoughts on how much damage these birds can do to the fish population of a newly stocked 1 acre pond? One article I read:

"On summing up I find forty-two hours were spent with the (Kingfisher) birds (May 11July 24), during which time the young were fed one hundred times, or at an average rate of once in every 25.2 minutes. Of course there were periods when the feeding was much faster, as for instance, once in every 8, 9, 13, 20, and 21 minutes respectively."

Man, at that rate, the Kingfisher would have had me cleaned out in a couple of weeks! Couldn't find information on the number of fish a heron feeds on daily, but it's a big bird and I'm guessing a big appetite as well.

Anyone have any experience with these birds?

My experience is a temporary one. Each time, it is temporary.

Perhaps they die of lead poisoning?

Well, since they are a Federally protected species, let's just say that they don't get the chance to become much of a problem.

I've got a problem with a heron too. I'd really like to get rid of it but seems like shooting it is the only way. But even that isn't easy, this bird is very careful.

About damage done by it. Can't mention numbers of fish but I have heard numerous reports that many fish get injured but not caught. Maybe carp can survive but they may be deadly for trout.

I've had a 1.26 kilogram rainbow trout stabbed by a Great Blue Heron and killed. Much too big for them to eat, but here they will kill larger fish, probably because they might view them as competition for food. It's not legal here to kill them unless you have a permit from the government.

The ones by my pond fly away if they see a person within 100 meters.

I've got mixed emotions about the Herons. They are pretty.

They weigh about 7 lbs. and I have not seen them eat, eat, eat. They will grab a fish and take off. Often they stand around for hours on the shore charging their batteries. I also have seen them swing a snake around till their dead, which I enjoy. They are also territorial and are usually only one to a pond.

I guess it really depends on how big your pond is. And as esshup said, they will fly off when they see the wild-eyed Sniper.

I've found this to be true as well. The minute you make a noise or show up, they are gone. I had one the other day circle 3 times and then decided I wasn't leaving the pond area.

As other have said, nice to see, but look like they could be a pain as well.

As I said, they are very, very careful. But once I had possibility to come quite close to him just because of bush between us. Bird didn't see me and I didn't see him till one moment. Of course, we both were surprised

The beak on a Heron is lethal. Look at the size of that thing.

I have a one acre pond and a Heron is here most of the time during the late spring through late fall. I've pretty much given up trying to get rid of them or worrying about it. None of the commonly advised methods (excluding lead poisoning) to get rid of them will work. As I'm in the city limits and in a neighborhood, I just throw a rock at him whenever I can, otherwise I would use the Remington method of control. Damage is hard to measure but, at least with my pond, I don't think it's a huge problem. I've only found one fish injured with an obvious Heron punch. How many he eats is anyone's guess.

Wrist Rocket and marbles or 1/4" to 3/8" ball bearings.......

Has anyone ever explored the effects of rifle lead in ponds? Just saying.

Should be no more than lead fishing sinkers. I have no idea what kind of ratios are involved.

A couple of companies are making non-lead bullets. Barnes comes to mind first. All of the frangable bullets are lead free.

Good points.

had heard about the heron rookery near my farm, and finally got with the farmer there to see it, they may be territorial but the nest together, the farmer that owns the grove where they have the rookery says there are almost 20 nests, easier to see before the oaks leaf out, the rookery has alot of communicating noises, at my farm pond they are very sly and shy, most I have seen on my pond is 3 at one time