| Re: Heron
I agree with most of the comments Dogghound has made. It is very unlikely fish would be mating or breeding at this time of year. The water would be too cold and fish would be lethargic and conserving energy. The main breeding season for most fish is between March and June/July. That is why the closed coarse fishing season is between March and June. (Not that I am suggesting that you fish your pond). The other point that Dogghound makes is that a Heron would swallow its catch not discard it unless it was seriously disturbed. They are not like some other animals that will kill for the sake of it or for stashing away for some other time. I suspect that it is other animals (domestic or otherwise) that is causing havoc with your pond.
One other thing? Where do your interests lie? In ‘wildlife’ or the contents of your pond? You say you hate Herons yet they are part of our natural world. Why should you hate them? After all the garden pond, to them, is no different to lake or stream. They’re doing what ‘comes naturally’. They are interesting birds along with many of the other birds and animals that visit gardens. Yes! Sometimes wild animals can be garden nuisances but that is no reason to hate them. Every year I battle with House Sparrows as they feed on my Beetroot foliage. Despite that I don’t hate them for it, though I curse them now and again. Sparrows are great birds to observe.
Become a proper WABer and enjoy all of wildlife regardless of its ups and downs.
Harold.  |