Al, like you, the cormorant will take to the opposite end of the pond when they hear or see my side by side. So to solve this problem I stop short of the pond. Up on the hill some 100 yds away from the pond where I take position. I just replaced my Remington 22 mag with a new Eagle 22mag simi automatic. Made @ Magnum Research Pillager MN. Bull barrel, Carbon coated. Mounted with a Nicon 3x12 scope. Purchased yesterday. I then went to our new indoor riffle range. Red River Riffle Range. All new facility and a really nice club. After shooting around 40 rounds the riffle is Bulls eyed @ 100 yds with a 40 grain bullet. Now going back to the pond, it may take a 300yd shot to discourage the birds. It's all about elevation and windage
