Nothing ruins a peaceful pond faster than discovering birds have been helping themselves to your prized fish. Although they usually seem totally harmless and mild, these birds may often surprise you by showing how aggressive and powerful they can be when looking for food.

Should you struggle with this issue in your pond, understand that there are several easy and safe ways to prevent birds from eating your fish. If you are looking for any pond filter or pond setup tips, visit That Pond Guy, a company that focuses on building safe and attractive water features.

The following are a few things that you can do to prevent these birds from killing your fish.

1. Physical Barriers – The Most Reliable Solution

Prefer to place a physical barrier to deter birds if you want them to stay away. Using a pond net is a common practice—they are easy to put in place, cheaper than others, and offer great protection. The downside? If weeds are left unattended, they can become jumbled in the plants and look unsightly.

For a more subtle approach, try fishing line strung in a grid pattern about 30cm above the water. This makes it hard for birds to land or walk around, while remaining nearly invisible. It is not perfect, but it is better than losing fish.

2. Create Safe Hiding Spots for Fish

Birds like herons and ibis prefer shallow water where they can stand and hunt. By adding deep areas (at least 60cm) and hiding spots, your fish can escape danger.

• Fish tunnels or caves – Use large pipes or overturned plant pots covered with rocks for a natural look.
• Plants – Water lilies and milfoil provide excellent cover, making it harder for birds to spot fish.
• Depth matters – A deep pond discourages wading birds from hunting effectively.
• Scare Tactics – Movement and Reflection.

Birds are easily spooked by unexpected movement or reflections.

Here are some clever ways to keep them guessing:

• Water movement – Fountains, waterfalls, or air bubbles disrupt the surface, making it harder for birds to see fish.
• Statues & decoys – Fake herons, owls, or even snakes can deter real birds—just move them occasionally so they seem “alive.”
• Reflectors & spinners – Wind chimes, CDs, or flashing deterrents can startle birds away.

3. High-Tech Deterrents

For stubborn birds, modern gadgets can help:

• Motion-activated sprinklers – A sudden spray of water sends birds flying.
• Laser deterrents – These emit flashes and sounds when movement is detected.
• Electric fences – Low-voltage barriers (like the Velda Pond Protector) give a harmless shock to discourage intruders.

4. The Last Resort – Full Pond Netting

If all else fails, a tightly secured net is the only guaranteed way to stop herons. Make sure it is slightly above the water to prevent leaves from sinking and check for gaps—even a small opening can let hunters in.

Final Thoughts

While bird control takes effort, if the right kinds of barriers surround your pond, hiding spots and deterrents, you will not have to constantly worry about your fish. Try using different techniques to identify which one improves the atmosphere of your pond.