Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Wildlife Management Geese vs anhinga (water turkey)?

Anyone know if geese have any deterrent to anhinga (water-turkey)?

Last year we had two geese on our pond and we had the least amount of anhinga (water turkey) ever.

Not sure if that was a coincidence?

We had decided we would scare the geese away this year, but if they keep fish eating anhinga (water turkey) away, then we might consider putting up with the geese issues.

Geese are pretty aggressive defending anything they consider "their" territory, but I am too far north to know how they do against anhinga.

I will add that some of the wealthy country clubs and/or housing communities in my area have had great success with putting a pair of swans on their large ponds. They are even more aggressive than geese, and will run off the Canadians - and perhaps any other birds that invade their pond?

I think the swans are very majestic (and highly likely to be spouse approved) and they will stay at the pond for life. I looked up the price a long time ago and they were pretty pricey then. However, they were much cheaper than many of the fish stocking programs I see on the forum. So perhaps they might be a good investment?

Maybe one of our pond management experts will drop into your thread.

The swans won't stay at the pond year 'round unless they are pinioned. They are territorial, and when nesting will attack people too. A lake here a few years ago had them attacking jet skiers.

I thought the pairs in my area were only pinioned the first year - but I was never talking to the person "in charge" of care and feeding of the swans.

If they will attack jet skiers, then hopefully anhinga and cormorants would be on the "enemies" list. OTOH, the swans might make it so no humans could use the pond!

Not sure if this relevant, but for the past 2 years I have 2 Canadian Honkers taking advantage of my pond during late winter/early spring, and no comorants sighted. (Northeast Texas)

Unfortunately no geese here just a .22 mag to scare the cormorants away……we have both corms and anhingas, both get the same treatment