Hanging old CDs around a bird feeder can stop magpies from monopolising it and scaring away smaller species such as robins and goldfinches, according to bird-proofing manufacturer Huck Nets UK.
Magpies are among the most intelligent birds found in gardens, but they are also notorious for guarding feeders and driving other birds away once they identify a dependable food source. They are considerably larger than most other British garden birds, so an influx of magpies can make a garden far less hospitable for smaller species.
Why reflective objects work
Huck Nets UK said: "Magpies are startled by light reflections, and this can be an effective method in helping to keep them out of your garden. There are a couple of ways that you can do this. Firstly, old CDs are great at catching and reflecting light, so if you have any, hang them up around your garden at intervals."
Magpies frequently associate sudden flashes of light with movement and are inclined to interpret the reflected light as a predator lurking nearby, making them far more reluctant to venture into the garden in search of food. They are also unsettled by unfamiliar objects within their territory, so their natural instinct is to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance.
How to set up the CDs
To use the method, thread string through a CD and position three to six of them around a bird feeder. Space them out and hang them at varying heights rather than bunching them together, and try to situate them in open spots where sunlight and breeze can catch them.
Most people opt for CDs as they are readily available at home, though any reflective material will do the job, such as tin foil, pie dishes, or specialist bird tape.
Because magpies are particularly sharp, they may eventually figure out that the CDs pose no real threat. Repositioning them around the garden every few days helps keep the magpies confused and deters them for longer. Combining CDs with other deterrents is also beneficial, as magpies are more likely to abandon their efforts permanently if the food source proves too troublesome to access.
Other ways to deter magpies
Bird netting, audio deterrents, or positioning a cage around a feeder so only smaller birds can access it can also ensure magpies keep their distance.
Magpies are also drawn to unclean gutters, so clearing them out can discourage the birds from coming back. Bins should be properly sealed and fitted with lids, as rubbish left on the ground can entice magpies to nest in the vicinity.
The CD method remains one of the most straightforward approaches to keeping magpies away and preventing them from intimidating other birds in the garden.
