With the more temperate months upon us now, many people are spending more and more time in their backyards, enjoying all of the gifts that nature can offer. In an attempt to recreate what Mother Nature does, well, naturally, it’s not unusual to find backyard fish ponds. The sound of the bubbling water, the gentle swish of the exotic aquatic plants and the shiny glittery glimpse of your darting fish are what lazy summer days are all about. But are you aware that your precious koi or goldfish are in danger and it’s up to you to protect them.

“Protect them from what?” you may ask. Simply put - predators. Predators want to turn your backyard fish pond into the local neighborhood sushi bar. Depending upon the environs of your home, your fish pond may be visited by raccoons or cats, but the more likely scenario is that birds are gobbling up your little fishes. You’d be surprised that, even in a city, your fish pond might be visited by herons, kingfishers, ducks, loons or even cranes.

You might think to cover the pond with screening, and yes, that would work, but it’s not too attractive, is it? A neater option would be for you to create a hidey-hole for your fishes, made simply with some broad-mouthed PVC pipe. A couple of Y joints scattered here and about will give them a quick retreat. It’s not as pretty as a piece of coral (which you shouldn’t be putting in your pond anyway), but it works. And that’s all that matters, unless your goal is to actually bring the birds in to you. But that’s a whole different matter.