Waterfowl-proof fencing

[Teresa]

Any suggestions for fencing to keep ducks and geese out of newly planted Spartina until it is well established?

I'm concerned that snow fencing, bird mesh, etc. might trap other creatures.

Thanks!

[Equilibrium]

What kind of an area are you talking?

[Teresa]

Along the edge of a creek--from the low-tide mark to a foot or two above. . .

[Teresa]

Here's one description I found from a company that installs living shorelines:

"To limit plant damage or mortality from wildlife grazing, especially from geese, mute swan or other waterfowl, a strategically placed “goose exclusion fence” consisting of commercially available polypropylene fencing (42” height) or a series of wooden stakes joined with 4-5 lines of cotton twine (bio-degradable) can discourage geese. Plants can be protected by installing fencing just beyond the planting area low water line; at the rear and sides of the planting; and, for large areas, twine may be strung across the fencing at regular intervals to deter geese from flying directly into the plantings."

--from South River Shore Erosion Management and Living Shoreline Guidelines by Burke Environmental Associates

We haven't seen many geese there, but we have seen ducks and don't want them to uproot the plugs before they get established. The twine sounds like a possible solution--what I've seen used elsewhere is the garish orange plastic fencing. . .

Any other suggestions or experiences?

[Equilibrium]

Ducks aren't usually a problem.... at least not that I've ever seen. Zig zagging fishing line can be effective against geese and Mute swans but I'm thinking you might just wanna check into fruit tree netting. It's cheap and readily available and you could re-use it.