Hanging a few old CDs around the garden is an effective way to stop magpies from dominating bird feeders, according to Huck Nets UK, a bird-proofing manufacturer. The reflective surfaces startle the birds, helping to keep smaller species such as robins and goldfinches safe.
Why CDs work as a deterrent
Magpies are highly territorial and, once they discover a reliable food source, they may chase other birds away to keep it for themselves. They are also much larger than most other British garden birds, so attracting too many can make a garden less welcoming for smaller species.
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.”
How to set up the CDs
To use this method, loop string around a CD and place three to six of them around a bird feeder. Space them out and hang them at different heights rather than clustering them together, and try to place them in open areas where the sun and wind can catch them.
Magpies often associate sudden flashes of light with movement and are likely to assume it is a predator, making them feel less safe going into a garden to feed. They also dislike unfamiliar objects in their territory, so their instinct is to be cautious and keep a good distance away.
Other ways to keep magpies away
Anything shiny can work as a deterrent, including tin foil, pie dishes, or bird tape. Since magpies are remarkably clever, they may eventually work out that the CDs are harmless, so moving them around the garden every few days can help confuse the birds and keep them away for longer.
Combining CDs with other deterrents, such as bird netting, audio devices, or a cage around the feeder, can make the food source too much effort to reach. Cleaning dirty gutters and ensuring bins are sealed can also help, as waste on the ground can encourage magpies to nest nearby.
