Gardening experts Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill, co-founders of She Grows Veg, have shared a straightforward method to deter magpies from bird feeders: simply hang moving or shiny objects around the garden.
Magpies are known to scare smaller birds away from feeders, and their persistent chattering can prove irritating. They are also notorious for raiding nests and stealing other birds' eggs. Should they discover a bird feeder, they may bully smaller, more timid garden visitors, meaning fewer robins, goldfinches, or wrens may frequent a garden this autumn.
Why shiny objects work
Magpies are remarkably intelligent creatures, which means a conventional scarecrow is unlikely to keep them at bay for long, given that it remains stationary in one spot. They will rapidly determine that it poses no human threat, but they will be considerably more wary of objects that shift and move, as they will be unable to establish whether something is alive or not.
Shiny objects can also startle magpies, as the rapid flashes of sunlight can replicate the swift movement of a predator, leading magpies to believe another animal is present in the garden. These objects simply make a magpie feel less secure, as they are unfamiliar and unpredictable, making the birds more inclined to move elsewhere to avoid potential confrontation.
How to position deterrents
It is advisable to position shiny or moving objects near elevated areas where magpies tend to perch, such as tall trees, fence posts, or atop garden sheds. Avoid placing these objects directly beside bird feeders or bird baths if you wish to attract other birds to your garden, as they will simply frighten them away.
Ensure these objects are positioned high up, as smaller garden birds typically remain near feeders or feed on the ground, making them far less likely to notice these deterrents than magpies.
Materials and maintenance
Strips of tin foil, old CDs, takeaway trays, or disposable pie dishes can all serve as effective magpie deterrents if you'd rather not spend any money. Alternatively, reflective garden tape, pinwheels, metallic streamers, or reflective bird tape are all readily available online, and any of these items will help deter magpies.
It should be noted, however, that magpies are rather inquisitive birds and will eventually realise these objects are harmless if they remain in the same position for too long. It will prove far more effective if you utilise more than one object and reposition them every few days. Simply reposition the items twice weekly when the opportunity arises, and your garden should remain free from any troublesome magpies throughout the remainder of autumn.
