Birdscaring devices

[einstein]

Attempting to keep blackbirds out of my polytunnels.
Not large numbers but constant.
Nets and gas guns have failed.
https://portek.co.uk/portfolio-item/birdyell/
Anyone used the bird yell?

 

[B'o'B]

I asked about similar thing a while ago and the TFF responses I got were not very positive. I got a roll of reflective tape that sort of makes metallic noise in the wind that seems to have been relatively effective on pigeons, you are welcome to have a few meters to try and see what it does for your blackbirds.

 

[einstein]

thankyou.Ill come and grab a bit.
Have a bird yell for demo . im a bit cynical tbh.

 

[Bobthebuilder]

What problem do black birds cause [emoji57] surely help eat bugs and the like

 

[Dry Rot]

Whatever you use, keep ringing the changes, even if it is moving the scaring device a few yards. Birds will get used to anything in time.

Sounds like the OP has soft fruit (strawberries?) and blackbirds have been a problem with that over millennia.

 

[Kidds]

Net is the only way you will keep them out.

 

[No wot]

Look on YouTube there' s something there involves a small possible toy type windmill with a clanking mechanism that hits a frying pan , needs plenty of wind , oh and no nr nieghboughs

 

[yellow belly]

What problem do black birds cause [emoji57] surely help eat bugs and the like

Strawberry’s in poly tunnel

Sparrow hawk would be a solution

 

[Stephen E]

You need the element of surprise. Creep up behind them and let them have it.

 

[Dry Rot]

Strawberry’s in poly tunnel

Sparrow hawk would be a solution

That would shift them! Blackbird hawking used to be a communal sport. Blackbird and sparrowhawk are pretty well matched. Throw in a couple of keen youngsters and a spaniel or two and it can get quite exciting. These days you'd need a licence!

 

[einstein]

I'm trialling a very loud recording of a sparrowhawk!!

 

[yellow belly]

I'm trialling a very loud recoding of a sparrowhawk!!

Need the blackbird alarm call
A good cat would be a solution

Rutland big cat
But might scare the golfers or eat the strawberry pickers

 

[milkloss]