Hi bluesunflower,

I live on the coast of NC and we have bald eagles here also. I would doubt that they would use a lot of energy swooping down and lifting up just for a measly, little goldfish or two. Now, a blue heron will down one in a minute, but I have successfully thwarted them with the fishing line tied to tent stakes all around my modest 2000 gal pond.

I had a "scarecrow" electronic devise until my daughter borrowed it to protect some bluebirds from cats. That should scare off even an eagle.

However, I am wondering if the eagle-eyed one is checking out your pond in hopes of big fish, the size that fills both a fellow's claws!! Let's hope so.

NCponder, thank you for your reply and good wishes. LOL. Would you tell me what your electronic scarecrow is? I don't think I have heard of that or at least that term. Would my dogs serve as an organic version? I have been on the look out for the herons but in the three years that we have lived up here I have not seen a one fly by. I don't know why that is.

Thank you Sandy for your help. I do know what you mean about the cats being carted off. They would no doubt be less effort for the big bird than the little fish sticks would be. I have had a Sharp Shinned Hawk that visits in the spring and fall to hunt the garden birds but never bothered the cats. There are also owls, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, bear and cougar on this hill. I have seen the bear walking across my front pavers. It's predator central around here. Guess I'll need more than fish line if that bear gets a hankering for sushi.
I sure do like the idea of a trellis more than a net but either is going to be challenging. The pond is built on top of/out of the mountain bedrock.

We're seeing more bald eagles in Pennsylvannia, but I'm not too worried about my goldfish (yet). I was reciently talking about bald eagles with some friends and one of them mentioned that a bald eagle will prey on a blue heron. I didn't believe it at first, but various Web sites include blue heron as part of a baud eagle's diet.

Bluesunflower, maybe the eagles are keeping the heron away.

Yes, I would be happy to tell you about the "scarecrow", but I just googled "scarecrow" and if you look at the ads on the right you will see several that will show you pictures and I am certain, will be happy to sell one to you.

How lovely that we have eagles in abundance again. The scarecrow won't hurt them, but it will get you wet and make you laugh when you forget it is quietly sitting there and walk into its space.

Be well, Carol

Could you post a picture? Your pond sounds wonderful. Your whole living arrangement sounds wonderful.

I almost lived on the side of a mountain in Durango, Colorado another life time ago. It just didn't work out so now I live by the sea.

The Scarecrow is a water cannon. It is attached to the hose and utilizes an impulse sprinkler. The electronic sensors respond to body heat and movement so moving water or wind blown grass won't set it off. Some critters like it. Sandy

I think I'd be more worried about the cats also. Can you put anything over the pond - such as a pergola or some kind of barrier? My thought is that it would prevent the eagle from swooping into the pond and grabbing a fish. Seriously, watch the cats. A friend of mine lives around eagles and she was warned that her 11 pound Havasu (dog) would be considered prey for eagles and large owls.

Johnkr that is very interesting information about the eagles hunting the herons. I had no idea, thanks! That might explain why I have not seen any around. We do live by a lot of natural water. Well that's one thing in favor of eagles.

Carol I just googled scarecrow like you suggested and found the info. Thank you. I can see how that would be very effective. I can also see my Malamute playing in it! LOL It sounds like you have lived in some wonderful places. I would love to live by the sea some day. Sounds great just saying it. hehe

Sandy I imagine your very correct about some critters liking the scarecrows. My silly Mal for one. LOL She loves to play "chase the hose" whenever I water.

Nancyd I believe you are very correct about the cats safety. These are big birds. This was the closest one had come to the house. In the pictures you will see how a pergola is going to be a challenge to say the least. The pond runs 40ft by 20 with a bend at one end.

Carol thanks for asking me to brag... I mean post pics. We only got the pond running last fall so I am still pretty excited about it.
I also included a link to an older post on the Cottage garden forum if you are interested in some "extreme" ponding/gardening or as I like to think of it, "when I should have been shot on the spot for even thinking of it."

This is one end of the pond. I had to take two shots to get the opposite end.
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I have just begun working on this new falls area. I still have to trim the foam and disquise the liner and tubing here. I put a planter pocket on top of the rock and planted trailing plants so that should help.
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This is the little pond, it is 100gal.

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Thank you all very much,
LeSan

Here is a link that might be useful: Ground Zero

@OP

I would make a couple of comments that haven't been addressed in any of the responses.

With regards to your concern about the Bald Eagle, I would contact your states DNR and ask for guidance. Seeing as the Bald Eagle has some special federal protections, I am unsure of both the legality OR wisdom of erecting any sort of protective barriers over your pond.

Possesion of a single Bald Eagle Feather can result in fines and/or imprisonment damages can be as high as $25,000 PER FEATHER.

Here is some interesting information: http://www.legalplumes.com/EagleFeatherLaw.htm

I would say, if a Bald Eagle is eyeing your pond, just hope he goes away. If it is injured or killed in any sort of contraption designed to keep it out of your pond, YOU are in a heap of trouble!

Your ponds are beautiful.

We are making a pond in our backyard and the last two days have seen an eagle perched in our Oak tree. We are in a rural area don't know if he is just visiting or scanning the area.