After much research, I learned that you have to string fishing line around your pond at varying 6 inch heights in order to prevent that massive bird from fishing in your pond. And while the thought of stakes, fishing line, and netting covering the entire pond was disappointing, the end result isn't too ugly--especially when you know that it is protecting your fish and frog friends.
Netting has always been a bothersome issue for the pond, as I imagine the frogs getting tangled in it and dying. But I like this compromise--they can hop into the yard to hunt bugs, but they can also retreat to the safety of the water when raccoons, opossum, or blue heron come-a-knockin'. It's a win-win, and it isn't too conspicuous either.
The end of summer frog count is 5. There are 3 big guys who are over a year old and 2 little ones--from the tadpoles we brought in. It will be interesting next year when I will have to mail-order my taddies--my favorite garden center and tadpole provider closed this summer, which leaves me searching for another source for pond necessities like tadpoles and water hyacinths. Nothing is ever easy, is it? Although getting some tadpoles stuffed in my mailbox is going to be exciting I think. I'm sure Juan the mailman is gonna think I've really lost it this time.
As the auditors are making their appearance today and tomorrow at work, I'm gonna be wishing I had an Anti-Grab-Me Shield as well. How nice life would be if mere netting guaranteed our safety from threats and harm. Sigh.
Pray they don't eat me alive....
14 comments:
I think it would be cool to get mail-order tadpoles. Once I got some worms in the mail that grew into butterflies.
We think the pond looks great. You can barely tell that there is wire around it. Good job.
Good luck with the auditors. We would hate for you to be eaten alive. Take care. Thanks for helping Annie.
I had to biggify that just to even see the netting. Good job!
I used to hate when the auditors came even when I knew I was doing everything right. It was their job to find SOMETHING wrong
Your pond looks stunning! I'd better shield my son from this image-- he's been nagging me for years to build a pond. But NO WAY not on this property... we get a "pond" every time it rains more than 3 inches, which seems to be happening a lot this year!
Hope your audit goes well. Ick. Be sure to post so we know you survived. ;)
I love your toe post yesterday. I think you should have a weird toe contest. I guarantee my spock toes would beat yours, even if they don't have pretty pink polish.
That is an interesting idea and sounds like a nice way to save your pond friends! Hopefully the pterodactyl will find some other pond to raid!
Your pond is beautiful! I like the safety aspect for the frogs. :)
I hope you can keep those auditors away!
Thank you so much for your help for Annie!!
Safe froggies are worth it! How do they pack live tadpoles?
The netting isn't noticeable at all. Your pond looks great! I've heard of chicks being mailed but not tadpoles. Hope we get to see photos when the package arrives!
Hope their waterproof holder is really good! Otherwise you'll have tad slime.
Your water garden is beautiful!!! Best of luck with the frogs.:)
Daisy--I think it would be cool as long as nobody dies in transit. Dead taddies are not fun.
Marg--I've kept this up longer than I thought because it isn't too ugly. Better safe than sorry, right? Hope Annie is better soon--please let us know how she makes out.
Grace--Yeah, it isn't too bad, is it?! It's good to know everyone is safe in there.
Pricilla--Yeah, auditors are auditors. This time, though, they aren't auditing my work, so I'm not worried. I was just collecting the data for them. Still a lot of work though. Ugh.
Rebecca--You probably have the best of both worlds--a pond that goes away in the winter! ;) And there is no maintenance or frogs to worry about.
Ozark Mtn Cats--You know, I think a Funky Toe Contest would be a hoot! Maybe once the audit is over. Start photographing your toes NOW!
Lynne--Yeah, I hate pterodactyl. And it is hard to spell too.
Lucy--Let us know how Annie makes out--we are worried about her! We love orange stripeys here at the Duck and Wheel. Oh--you may have to join the Red Cat Society with Annie. Check out the link on the sidebar.
Cute--I don't know how they transport taddies. I may just have to find out. I hope they come alive!
Beaded Tail--I can't order until next spring, so I'll have to remember to post that. But that being such a big deal, you know I won't forget. Hahaha! I almost thought about not getting any more frogs, but then life would not be as much fun, right?
Sharkey--I would think they know how to pack them, right? Oh, criminy. Now I'm all worried about those little guys!
Jean--Thanks, Jean. The pond is a big source of joy for me. I love all the life it harbors. :)
I hope this helps to protect your critters Lin! And yes - perhaps we could all use one of these for work! Ha!
xo Catherine
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