Last time I visited the koi vendor here had netting on the outdoor tanks, with the more expensive fish inside a building. But it seems maybe the birds could be stymied with something that sticks up around the edge of the pond and bobbles around, some kind of scarecrow effect that doesn't involve covering the water.

thanks bboy . the bobbing scarecrow's a good idea. i think i'll try that 1st. if that fails. i'm moving up to a fishing line fence and an intense led strobe on a trip wire. that'll be a last resort .

Hi Jeff
check out my video youtube on Craiggers Koi on what I did with the fishing line. Another option is a product called a Scarecrow in which you hook up to your hose. I've also seen people hook electrical devices up to a motion sensor. Example; an old electric saw without a blade.

Craig

I just run like an idiot toward my pond flailing my arms around and screaming LOL.

After a few times over a couple days our visitor seemed to leave for the season. Only been in this house 6 months so I don't know how regular he is.

Course, we're both at work all day every day so.. I can't say for certain but, usually when he's there it's clear cuz he clears the mud off whatever area he's standing in. I count my main fish (koi, goldfish) and so far he's not got any. I dunno about all the other fish though.

The old owner said every so often they she comes around.

We have a decoy which I think I need to move around more but.. I was ready to shoot the dern thing!

you might try 2 methods:

- hang fishing lines about 1.5 ft apart from one side to another; and

- install a motion detection "sprinkler" which would shoot water when it detects motion which might scare the birds