A shade ball is a small plastic sphere floated on top of a reservoir for environmental reasons, including to slow evaporation and prevent sunlight from causing reactions among chemical compounds present in the water. Also known as bird balls, they were developed initially to prevent birds from landing on bodies of water.

May 14, 2019 · Originally called "bird balls", the solution was both odd and oddly perfect. Typically used around airports to stop birds from perching in nearby water, the black balls also turned out to be highly effective at keeping out sunlight.

Protect water-filled areas from pest birds. Bird balls are a floating bird and wildlife deterrent that rest on the surface of the water. These floating covers block geese, ducks, swans, gulls, and other wildlife from entering or interacting with the body of water.

Aug 8, 2023 · Hundreds of seagulls were caught on camera hunting bait balls in the Gulf of Eilat this week. Bait balls refers to a tight pack of fish that swim together to avoid predators.

Sep 23, 2022 · Bird balls have more benefits for lakes and bodies of water besides deterring birds. These balls block the sun from interacting with chemical treatments in reservoirs, which would otherwise create bromate, a known carcinogen.

Jul 11, 2023 · Here's our round-up of the top ten bait ball facts for the next time you happen upon one twinkling out in the blue... 1. Bait Balls vs. Dolphins & Killer Whales. Often touted as being the most intelligent of marine creatures, dolphins have also been observed employing different tactics to attack bait balls.

Aug 11, 2015 · The plastic balls form a protective barrier across the water's surface that helps keep birds, animals and other contaminants out. It also helps prevent the water from evaporating.

Nov 1, 2019 · One of the most classic bait balls filmed was on BBC’s The Hunt. The film begins off the Pacific coast of Baja California with thousands of bonito forcing a giant bait ball of sardines to the surface. Shearwater birds detect the sardines and dive right into them. California sea lions help round up the baitfish.

On Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef off Exmouth, a bait ball shows the ecosystem's intricate food chain in action.

Bird Balls? Ever heard of Bird Balls? Me neither! But I saw them (pictured above/below) the other day and had to find out more. The other day I wandered my way up into the beautiful Elysian Park (just minutes from Downtown LA). While driving around this huge park that has gorgeous vistas I stumbled upon the Elysian Reservoir.