Posted By Paul Norton on 05/15/2008 1:04 PM My backyard is surrounded by a tall cedar hedge. At this time of the year there are a lot of blackbirds nesting in the hedge. They clean the nests of any droppings and deposit them in a neat line all around the edge of the pool. By the end of the day it can be pretty disgusting. If the cats are out, the birds just land at the other end of the pool. Here in Canada handguns are verboten, and it is against the law to fire any kind of gun within the city limits. So like Brain, I found hanging old CDs frightens them away.  The stand is made with a scrap of lumber, half a coat hanger, a fishing swivel and a piece of line. The CD swivels and flashes in the wind, scaring the blackbirds away. If you live in a windy area, a heavier piece of lumber may be required.
Not correct. Handguns are regulated, not "verboten". Handgun hunting is prohibited in Canada. Most municipalities have a firearms discharge bylaw which may or may not include pellet guns. If you're rural in Canada you most likely are good to go with a pellet gun on your own property. Some birds are protected, but not all, and there is such a thing as defense of property, although that get iffy in places.
You might try an owl (plastic, not tethered  ) they may discourage the 'pies, at least until they figure out its plastic. The fishing line is one of the best, tho. |