Author Topic: Neighborhood watch program... (Read 3015 times)

mascot · « **on:** November 02, 2007, 08:50:20 PM »

I went outside the other day and my ten year old neighbor says, "Michael, look! A stork!" as she points off in the distance. So I grabbed the camera and snapped a couple pics. I've seen this guy or his twin (sorry, they all look the same) on the fence in my yard, and also on my roof.

Esther · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2007, 07:56:41 AM »

Oh man. And he's still living??

I know, but a little pellet in his butt wouldn't hurt would it? What about a paint ball?

MikeW · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2007, 08:13:01 AM »

That's not a loose shingle I'm seeing is it?

Oh yeah, the bird's a threat too.

Cheers,

Mike

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #3 on:** November 04, 2007, 07:46:35 AM »

Aim and "PULL!!!"

happyoutsidegirl · « **Reply #4 on:** November 04, 2007, 05:45:49 PM »

Great Pix Michael, but now that you have them I agree. don't blink just pull the trigger!

El Jefe · « **Reply #5 on:** November 05, 2007, 05:41:17 AM »

While I am probably stating the obvious, that is a Blue heron, and he has found a new fishin' hole... Namely your pond. make sure your fish have someplace to hide.

Andy

bunny56lbc · « **Reply #6 on:** November 05, 2007, 10:27:47 AM »

Quote from: miguynmkoi on November 04, 2007, 07:46:35 AM

Aim and "PULL!!!"

That's not as easy as ya think.....I know a few people who've tryed it several time's & still missed .
The darn birds are just too skinny .

So far none has ever stopped by for a fish snack ....here. They do fly over all the time tho & one of these day's I expect they'll stop for a visit.....hopefully that won't be too soon .

bonnie

mascot · « **Reply #7 on:** November 05, 2007, 04:42:38 PM »

Well, being an animal lover and especially a bird lover, I have a hard time thinking about 'killing' a heron who is just out doing what he does to survive. I don't think he wants to get too close to the pond because it's so close to the house, and there really isn't any place for a heron to stand and get to the fish (steep sides) Plus the fish have plenty of places to hide down pretty deep.

The heron has been here a couple times, but those pics were about five houses down, and there's a lake about a half a mile away so it's not like he's without food. I figure he just sees my pond as the proverbial "hole in the wall (ground) restaurant and wants to try it out.

Of course, I say all this having not lost a fish to one of these winged snakes...should I see him with one of my scaly children in his beak he will surely get pelted with rocks!!

happyoutsidegirl · « **Reply #8 on:** November 06, 2007, 05:00:27 AM »

Quote from: bunny56lbc on November 05, 2007, 10:27:47 AM

Quote from: miguynmkoi on November 04, 2007, 07:46:35 AM
Aim and "PULL!!!"

That's not as easy as ya think.....I know a few people who've tryed it several time's & still missed .
The darn birds are just too skinny .

So far none has ever stopped by for a fish snack ....here. They do fly over all the time tho & one of these day's I expect they'll stop for a visit.....hopefully that won't be too soon .

bonnie

That's where shot guns come in handy!

barb · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2007, 06:21:34 AM »

He's very pretty, or should I say handsome? I wouldn't shoot him either, but I'd do my best to scare the feathers off his backside.

mascot · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2007, 10:18:35 AM »

Quote from: happyoutsidegirl on November 06, 2007, 05:00:27 AM

That's where shot guns come in handy!

um, did you happen to see those other things in the background...like my neighbors homes? LOL!! I don't think they'd take too kindly to me shooting in their direction...but if I can take out that annoying 24-hour barking dog on the hill they might let it slide! hahaha

El Jefe · « **Reply #11 on:** November 06, 2007, 12:48:14 PM »

Actually your local farm supply center (or on the net) may have exactly what you need, an electric fence.... Place it all around the pond and charge it up. he will get the idea after the first poke..... I accidently peed on one when I was a kid on my uncles farm

I wasn't happy but no real harm done

I learned my lesson I am sure he will learn his....

Andy

mascot · « **Reply #12 on:** November 06, 2007, 01:13:11 PM »

Quote from: El Jefe on November 06, 2007, 12:48:14 PM

Actually your local farm supply center (or on the net) may have exactly what you need, an electric fence.... Place it all around the pond and charge it up. he will get the idea after the first poke..... I accidently peed on one when I was a kid on my uncles farm I wasn't happy but no real harm done I learned my lesson I am sure he will learn his....

Andy

but then I'd have to try to get the heron to pee on it...and if I could teach him that I could teach him not to eat my fishies!

I've only seen a heron about four times in two years, and if I'm not out there chasing him off the three dogs barking at him do. My neighbors dog has barked at him when he's been on my roof or the back fence, and that dog doesn't normally bark like that during the day so he alerts me pretty good. I may try to a mesh net or something if the threat presents itself, so far he's just been window shopping.

Bonnie · « **Reply #13 on:** November 06, 2007, 06:46:55 PM »

Sure glad he's watching your neighborhood and not mine!

We had one visit but luckily it's not been here for over a year now...

dapperponds · « **Reply #14 on:** November 10, 2007, 06:17:38 AM »

check out www.scarecrowinfo.com and no one gets hurt.

mascot · « **Reply #15 on:** November 10, 2007, 09:30:17 AM »

Quote from: dapperponds on November 10, 2007, 06:17:38 AM

check out www.scarecrowinfo.com and no one gets hurt.

LOL...that almost sounds like a threat!

"gimme the loot and no one gets hurt!"

PondmaninAL · « **Reply #16 on:** November 10, 2007, 06:07:52 PM »

I know that alot of you might not want to hear this but you best check with state and federal laws before harming any native birds. There are herons and egrets all around our new place. I've even seen what I thought was either a heron or turkey buzzard in the back yard.

Happy ponding,
Scott

bunny56lbc · « **Reply #17 on:** November 10, 2007, 06:44:38 PM »

Quote from: PondmaninFL on November 10, 2007, 06:07:52 PM

I know that alot of you might not want to hear this but you best check with state and federal laws before harming any native birds. There are herons and egrets all around our new place. I've even seen what I thought was either a heron or turkey buzzard in the back yard.

Happy ponding,
Scott

OOOH Darn ! U just spoiled all our fun .... A 1,000 & 1 way's on "How to get rid of of that Darn Bird"......

bonnie

Don · « **Reply #18 on:** November 10, 2007, 07:39:36 PM »

Quote from: PondmaninFL on November 10, 2007, 06:07:52 PM

I know that alot of you might not want to hear this but you best check with state and federal laws before harming any native birds.

True, migratory birds such as the great blue heron are protected under Federal Law by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act enacted in 1918.

http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/intrnltr/mbta/mbtandx.html#h

I have not had the consternation of a heron visitor, but a fellow ponder of mine has. When asked what he did to solve the problem, his only response was “Current law does not allow me to disclose that information.”

bunny56lbc · « **Reply #19 on:** November 11, 2007, 01:11:24 PM »

I have not had the consternation of a heron visitor, but a fellow ponder of mine has. When asked what he did to solve the problem, his only response was “Current law does not allow me to disclose that information.”

[/quote]

Sound's like a good answer to me . .....

It's sad but sometime's ya have to do what ya have to do .
I think they are Beautiful bird's , myself !

bonnie

Don · « **Reply #20 on:** November 11, 2007, 03:56:23 PM »

Quote from: bunny56lbc on November 11, 2007, 01:11:24 PM

Sound's like a good answer to me . ..... It's sad but sometime's ya have to do what ya have to do .
I think they are Beautiful bird's , myself !

bonnie

Can't argue with that. I'm not sure how I would deal with a heron, hope I never have to, and I agree they are beautiful birds. $:-\$

Esther · « **Reply #21 on:** November 12, 2007, 04:44:52 AM »

Don't count on the fact your pond is next to the house. Mine is within 3' and the river with an attached swamp is about 1/4 mile away. Every summer he manages to take or try to take some of my fish. I put the lilies on plant stands. He landed on the pot. So it's not true they always walk in from far out. He is usually seen a few times/days scoping out the pond before he actually makes a hit. So next year the lilies go down to the bottom of the pond sooner. I have a little rope fence around the pond and lots of plantings too that make it hard for him to get to the water.

And we know those darn birds are protected. That is why I was suggesting something to sting his butt and scare him away. But like the rest have said, they are very smart and elusive.

EagleEye · « **Reply #22 on:** November 14, 2007, 07:15:05 PM »

So, Michael,

How do they taste?

Steve

mascot · « **Reply #23 on:** November 14, 2007, 07:49:10 PM »

Quote from: EagleEye on November 14, 2007, 07:15:05 PM

So, Michael,

How do they taste?

Steve

Well, they're kind of a cross between a bald eagle and a spotted owl.

happyoutsidegirl · « **Reply #24 on:** November 15, 2007, 04:30:14 AM »

Whoo whoo. and just in time for Thanksgiving dinner! Be sure and set and extra plate!