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Question:

Yesterday morning as I was reading the newspaper, I suddenly noticed a big 4′ blue heron grooming itself in my garden.  For one split second I was overjoyed to see such a beautful creature, till I realized that the heron was not in the garden to admire my roses.  I rushed out to the pond (the marauder flew away), but could not find any fish (goldfish variety) in my pond.  All of yesterday there were no fish were to be seen, but this morning I discovered three, all hiding under the submersible plants.  They looked very lethargic (more lethargic than they had been on colder days), and at least one looked as if some of its scales have been scraped off.    My questions are: 1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in even greater stress.   2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.) I seem to recall a discussion on herons a few weeks ago, and I apologize if this is a repetition. Since I live in a suburb of Washington D.C. I was not expecting that herons attack would be of any relevance to me, and did not follow that discussion. Thank you. Ariela Operations Research and Engineering Dept. George Mason University                      tel:  (703) 993-1692 Fairfax, VA 22030                            fax:  (703) 993-1692

Response:

>1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? >Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the >fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in even >greater stress.  

Yup, I would (be feeling a subdued I mean).  I wouldn’t stress the fish further by trying to catch and/or separate them – unless there are visible wounds. >2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that >the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.)

You don’t state the size of the pond, but my folks have a rectangular pond 4m * 3m, and they discourage the birds by stretching string and wire on a frame across it. In the SE UK herons are a protected species, but I’m happy to see their numbers steadily increasing, along with swans, since lead free angling became prevalent. Good luck! Steve Rodgers

Response:

>>2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that >the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.) >You don’t state the size of the pond, but my folks have a rectangular >pond 4m * 3m, and they discourage the birds by stretching string and >wire on a frame across it.

Ever since I put up a few strips of "Bird Scare" relective mylar tape the herons have not been seen. I got the tape at Home Depot. -Warren

Response:

Sorry to hear about the loss. Cyprio will have a Heron Scarer available this spring that uses the motion activated sprinkler technology I’ve referred to here before as teh Scarecrow.   They have done a private label deal with us and will be calling it the Cypriogard Heron Scarer.  Ring them up for more info.  :-) 01144-177-834-4502 Merry Christmas from Canada! — Erik Djukastein Contech Electronics, Inc.         Tel: (250) 652-0755  Fax: (250) 652-5351  Sales Toll Free: 1-800-767-8658

Response:

>1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? >Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the >fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in even >greater stress.  

Either is possible. They could be injured, but you can be sure they are stressed. Remember, they slow down in the Winter, too. I’d leave them alone unless injuries are obvious. Stress is one of the biggest threats to our fish. >2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that >the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.)

Bird netting will do the trick. >I seem to recall a discussion on herons a few weeks ago, and I apologize >if this is a repetition. Since I live in a suburb of Washington D.C. I >was not expecting that herons attack would be of any relevance to me, >and did not follow that discussion.

Sorry about your losses. Good luck, Jeff http://www.net-gate.com/~jeff1908/pond.htm

Response:

> Sorry to hear about the loss. > Cyprio will have a Heron Scarer available this spring that uses the > motion activated sprinkler technology I’ve referred to here before as teh > Scarecrow.

A sprinkler like that is already available fromReimer Waterscapes, P.O. They’re not cheap, $149.95 Canadian. — Chuck Rush Pond Rushes, http://www.dallas.net/~crush North Texas Water Garden Society, http://www.cirr.com/~ntwgs

Response:

>> Cyprio will have a Heron Scarer available this spring that uses the > motion activated sprinkler technology I’ve referred to here before as teh > Scarecrow. >A sprinkler like that is already available fromReimer Waterscapes, P.O. >They’re not cheap, $149.95 Canadian.

WOW! A $9 motion detector, a $12 sprinkler valve, and a simple electronic circuit. Maybe I’m in the wrong business.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Yesterday morning as I was reading the newspaper, I suddenly noticed >a big 4′ blue heron grooming itself in my garden.  For one split second >I was overjoyed to see such a beautful creature, till I realized that >the heron was not in the garden to admire my roses.  I rushed out to the >pond (the marauder flew away), but could not find any fish (goldfish >variety) in my pond.  All of yesterday there were no fish were to be >seen, but this morning I discovered three, all hiding under the >submersible plants.  They looked very lethargic (more lethargic than >they had been on colder days), and at least one looked as if some of its >scales have been scraped off.    My questions are: >1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? >Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the >fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in even >greater stress.   >2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that >the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.) >I seem to recall a discussion on herons a few weeks ago, and I apologize >if this is a repetition. Since I live in a suburb of Washington D.C. I >was not expecting that herons attack would be of any relevance to me, >and did not follow that discussion. >Thank you. >Ariela >Operations Research and Engineering Dept. >George Mason University                      tel:  (703) 993-1692 >Fairfax, VA 22030                            fax:  (703) 993-1692

You can put a plastic net over it, but it takes away from the beauty. PROS: Keeps Cats, Birds,Racoons, and other predators out. Keeps leaves and debris out. CONS: Doesn’t look great. Keeps creatures you may want in out. Ex. Frogs, Turtles, Newts. You can but it at a Hardware store and piece it together with little cut pieces of black twist ties (bread ties) or You can pay premium for one built to size.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Cyprio will have a Heron Scarer available this spring that uses the >> motion activated sprinkler technology I’ve referred to here before as teh >> Scarecrow. >A sprinkler like that is already available fromReimer Waterscapes, P.O. >They’re not cheap, $149.95 Canadian. > WOW! A $9 motion detector, a $12 sprinkler valve, and a simple electronic > circuit. Maybe I’m in the wrong business.

NO you are a tinker. We will always survive ;-}

Response:

> >1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? >Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the> >fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in

even> >greater stress. My guess is that the fish were traumatized.  Mine stayed skittish for several days after a bad hail storm a couple of months ago, and they didn’t get eaten!  If I were you I would deal with the looks of a net until the heron has moved along.  Some herons only stop through for a while on their travels, others who live near by may make your hole a regular restaurant.  Good luck!   — Kellie My Karma Ran Over My Dogma.  It was a catastrophe! Now my Dogma’s Dead and my Karma’s out of Alignment!

Response:

Hi Warren, As the manufacturer of the Scarecrow I empathize with your sentiment regarding the high cost of the motion activated sprinkler. I was certain at the outset a suggested retail of US$49 would be acheivable. Bad news. It wasn’t and still isn’t. It’s a high tech, sophisticated, well built, well engineered, patented, environmentally friendly, low water consuming, battery friendly, easy to install and easy to use, wildly effective product.   Despite the fact we’re making thousands of units, the product is inherently pricey. The elements that add cost are necessary in order to make a product that will perform satisfactorily in your garden over time. Examples of these criterion include: Must run off 9 volt batteries (grandma can’t wire 120 volts AC) Must run for at least 6 months on those batteries Must be able to open a valve INSTANTLY Must be able to open the valve thousands of times during the 6 months Must be able to close the valve seconds later Must be able to hold line pressure upwards of 100 PSI (and not break – house plumbing certainly doesn’t want to see these pressures!) Must last several years outdoors. It must be sold through distribution. Also, it’s worth noting it’s made in Canada (not China) with packaging, parts and most other parts sourced in the U.S.A.  That does add to our costs.  I could go on or get into the details further but I’d go on for ages.  Suffice to say we’re doing a world class job.  We know that because we’ve been paying attention – and for what its worth another manufacturer making a similar product charges over 15% more.   — Erik Djukastein President Contech Electronics, Inc.         Tel: (250) 652-0755  Fax: (250) 652-5351  Sales Toll Free: 1-800-767-8658

Response:

Yesterday morning as I was reading the newspaper, I suddenly noticed a big 4′ blue heron grooming itself in my garden.  For one split second I was overjoyed to see such a beautful creature, till I realized that the heron was not in the garden to admire my roses.  I rushed out to the pond (the marauder flew away), but could not find any fish (goldfish variety) in my pond.  All of yesterday there were no fish were to be seen, but this morning I discovered three, all hiding under the submersible plants.  They looked very lethargic (more lethargic than they had been on colder days), and at least one looked as if some of its scales have been scraped off.    My questions are: 1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in even greater stress.   2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.) I seem to recall a discussion on herons a few weeks ago, and I apologize if this is a repetition. Since I live in a suburb of Washington D.C. I was not expecting that herons attack would be of any relevance to me, and did not follow that discussion. Thank you. Ariela Operations Research and Engineering Dept. George Mason University                      tel:  (703) 993-1692 Fairfax, VA 22030                            fax:  (703) 993-1692

Response:

>1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? >Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the >fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in even >greater stress.  

Yup, I would (be feeling a subdued I mean).  I wouldn’t stress the fish further by trying to catch and/or separate them – unless there are visible wounds. >2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that >the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.)

You don’t state the size of the pond, but my folks have a rectangular pond 4m * 3m, and they discourage the birds by stretching string and wire on a frame across it. In the SE UK herons are a protected species, but I’m happy to see their numbers steadily increasing, along with swans, since lead free angling became prevalent. Good luck! Steve Rodgers

Response:

>>2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that >the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.) >You don’t state the size of the pond, but my folks have a rectangular >pond 4m * 3m, and they discourage the birds by stretching string and >wire on a frame across it.

Ever since I put up a few strips of "Bird Scare" relective mylar tape the herons have not been seen. I got the tape at Home Depot. -Warren

Response:

Sorry to hear about the loss. Cyprio will have a Heron Scarer available this spring that uses the motion activated sprinkler technology I’ve referred to here before as teh Scarecrow.   They have done a private label deal with us and will be calling it the Cypriogard Heron Scarer.  Ring them up for more info.  :-) 01144-177-834-4502 Merry Christmas from Canada! — Erik Djukastein Contech Electronics, Inc.         Tel: (250) 652-0755  Fax: (250) 652-5351  Sales Toll Free: 1-800-767-8658

Response:

>1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? >Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the >fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in even >greater stress.  

Either is possible. They could be injured, but you can be sure they are stressed. Remember, they slow down in the Winter, too. I’d leave them alone unless injuries are obvious. Stress is one of the biggest threats to our fish. >2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that >the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.)

Bird netting will do the trick. >I seem to recall a discussion on herons a few weeks ago, and I apologize >if this is a repetition. Since I live in a suburb of Washington D.C. I >was not expecting that herons attack would be of any relevance to me, >and did not follow that discussion.

Sorry about your losses. Good luck, Jeff http://www.net-gate.com/~jeff1908/pond.htm

Response:

> Sorry to hear about the loss. > Cyprio will have a Heron Scarer available this spring that uses the > motion activated sprinkler technology I’ve referred to here before as teh > Scarecrow.

A sprinkler like that is already available fromReimer Waterscapes, P.O. They’re not cheap, $149.95 Canadian. — Chuck Rush Pond Rushes, http://www.dallas.net/~crush North Texas Water Garden Society, http://www.cirr.com/~ntwgs

Response:

>> Cyprio will have a Heron Scarer available this spring that uses the > motion activated sprinkler technology I’ve referred to here before as teh > Scarecrow. >A sprinkler like that is already available fromReimer Waterscapes, P.O. >They’re not cheap, $149.95 Canadian.

WOW! A $9 motion detector, a $12 sprinkler valve, and a simple electronic circuit. Maybe I’m in the wrong business.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Yesterday morning as I was reading the newspaper, I suddenly noticed >a big 4′ blue heron grooming itself in my garden.  For one split second >I was overjoyed to see such a beautful creature, till I realized that >the heron was not in the garden to admire my roses.  I rushed out to the >pond (the marauder flew away), but could not find any fish (goldfish >variety) in my pond.  All of yesterday there were no fish were to be >seen, but this morning I discovered three, all hiding under the >submersible plants.  They looked very lethargic (more lethargic than >they had been on colder days), and at least one looked as if some of its >scales have been scraped off.    My questions are: >1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? >Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the >fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in even >greater stress.   >2) How can one prevent yet another heron attack?  (One may assume that >the marauder remembers very well here he got his latest snack.) >I seem to recall a discussion on herons a few weeks ago, and I apologize >if this is a repetition. Since I live in a suburb of Washington D.C. I >was not expecting that herons attack would be of any relevance to me, >and did not follow that discussion. >Thank you. >Ariela >Operations Research and Engineering Dept. >George Mason University                      tel:  (703) 993-1692 >Fairfax, VA 22030                            fax:  (703) 993-1692

You can put a plastic net over it, but it takes away from the beauty. PROS: Keeps Cats, Birds,Racoons, and other predators out. Keeps leaves and debris out. CONS: Doesn’t look great. Keeps creatures you may want in out. Ex. Frogs, Turtles, Newts. You can but it at a Hardware store and piece it together with little cut pieces of black twist ties (bread ties) or You can pay premium for one built to size.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Cyprio will have a Heron Scarer available this spring that uses the >> motion activated sprinkler technology I’ve referred to here before as teh >> Scarecrow. >A sprinkler like that is already available fromReimer Waterscapes, P.O. >They’re not cheap, $149.95 Canadian. > WOW! A $9 motion detector, a $12 sprinkler valve, and a simple electronic > circuit. Maybe I’m in the wrong business.

NO you are a tinker. We will always survive ;-}

Response:

> >1) Would the fish be lethargic due to fear, 24 hours after the event? >Or, should I assume that they are injured? Should I try to isolate the> >fish? I am fearful that trying to catch them would put them in

even> >greater stress. My guess is that the fish were traumatized.  Mine stayed skittish for several days after a bad hail storm a couple of months ago, and they didn’t get eaten!  If I were you I would deal with the looks of a net until the heron has moved along.  Some herons only stop through for a while on their travels, others who live near by may make your hole a regular restaurant.  Good luck!   — Kellie My Karma Ran Over My Dogma.  It was a catastrophe! Now my Dogma’s Dead and my Karma’s out of Alignment!

Response:

Hi Warren, As the manufacturer of the Scarecrow I empathize with your sentiment regarding the high cost of the motion activated sprinkler. I was certain at the outset a suggested retail of US$49 would be acheivable. Bad news. It wasn’t and still isn’t. It’s a high tech, sophisticated, well built, well engineered, patented, environmentally friendly, low water consuming, battery friendly, easy to install and easy to use, wildly effective product.   Despite the fact we’re making thousands of units, the product is inherently pricey. The elements that add cost are necessary in order to make a product that will perform satisfactorily in your garden over time. Examples of these criterion include: Must run off 9 volt batteries (grandma can’t wire 120 volts AC) Must run for at least 6 months on those batteries Must be able to open a valve INSTANTLY Must be able to open the valve thousands of times during the 6 months Must be able to close the valve seconds later Must be able to hold line pressure upwards of 100 PSI (and not break – house plumbing certainly doesn’t want to see these pressures!) Must last several years outdoors. It must be sold through distribution. Also, it’s worth noting it’s made in Canada (not China) with packaging, parts and most other parts sourced in the U.S.A.  That does add to our costs.  I could go on or get into the details further but I’d go on for ages.  Suffice to say we’re doing a world class job.  We know that because we’ve been paying attention – and for what its worth another manufacturer making a similar product charges over 15% more.   — Erik Djukastein President Contech Electronics, Inc.         Tel: (250) 652-0755  Fax: (250) 652-5351  Sales Toll Free: 1-800-767-8658

Response: