Missing KOI Fish

Spring arrived bringing with it spectacular beauty to our backyard. I can't remember a time over the past eleven years that we've lived when every blade of grass, herb, flower, shrub and tree has shown with such vibrant color. Brilliant yellow yarrow, dark blue delphinium, pretty chamomile daisies, pink coral bells, multi-colored sweet williams and numerous herbs provide a carpet of breathtaking beauty against a backdrop bush of florescent red roses that glow especially bright just before sundown each evening. Already the water garden is partially covered with large lily pads, making Mr. Frog a happy camper as he sits waiting and watching for a meal. White lilies and purple water hyacinth add to the beauty and send their uniquely delicious scent wafting across the lawn in the early morning and late evening. All of the sea grasses, flowering shrubs, ferns, ground cover and perennial shade plants have returned and are flourishing.

There is just one (or, actually two) things missing. Two large, breathtakingly gorgeous, orange KOI fish are missing from our pond. They came up missing back in early April, much to our dismay. We had purchased three Koi fish right after installing the pond. They thrived through each winter. A heater kept the ice off, and they grew bigger and bigger each year becoming like dear friends. It was a joy to watch those bright gold colored fish boldly protrude up and out of the water, cleaning algae from the sides and pushing themselves upward almost into the upper pond at times. Then - the two of them just suddenly came up missing. The black and gold mottled koi remains. He was frightened for weeks after the two disappeared and kept hidden in the depth. Now we've replace the two missing with another pair of small koi's and are hoping all will be well. We did notice a display of a huge bird dropping on our car that was parked nearby, making us think that a blue heron may have been the thief. We can only guess.