Hi everyone,
I saw a Great Horned Owl perched in a tree not far from my bird houses tonight. I read somewhere that setting up a scarecrow and putting a light on it would help deter the owl. Has anyone had experience with this? Thanks, Brent
Lit up scarecrow to dissuade owls question.
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Whippy
- Posts: 1023
- Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 11:15 pm
- Location: Plano, Texas
- Martin Colony History: See Signature
Brent,
I don't have experience with owls but it makes sense to give it a try. You may not even have to put a light on it as owls can see pretty good in the dark. I'd park the scare crow right under the rack and let it blow in the wind. Then move him to a slightly different position the next night. Maybe put one of those reflective construction vests on him. I'll bet those look pretty bright at night to an owl. Worth a shot.
That's my $0.02
Coolwhips
I don't have experience with owls but it makes sense to give it a try. You may not even have to put a light on it as owls can see pretty good in the dark. I'd park the scare crow right under the rack and let it blow in the wind. Then move him to a slightly different position the next night. Maybe put one of those reflective construction vests on him. I'll bet those look pretty bright at night to an owl. Worth a shot.
That's my $0.02
Coolwhips
2016 - many visitors
2017 - 1 pair, 3 fledged
2018- 2 pair, 12 fledged
2019 - 4 pair, 21 fledged
2020 - 15 pair, 67 fledged
2021 - 29 pair, 117 fledged
2022 - 35 pair, 130 fledged
2023 - 43 pair, 196 fledged
2017 - 1 pair, 3 fledged
2018- 2 pair, 12 fledged
2019 - 4 pair, 21 fledged
2020 - 15 pair, 67 fledged
2021 - 29 pair, 117 fledged
2022 - 35 pair, 130 fledged
2023 - 43 pair, 196 fledged
I had a hunter scarecrow dressed up in a florescent hunting coat that I moved around. It did nothing. I have six flood lights in the back yard facing my martin houses and gourds. I leave them on all night so I can see what's going on. I could almost read the owls mind, laughing at me and my silly scarecrow.
Several years ago people were trying the inflatable floppy man to help deter owls. I never heard that they worked and I don't hear anybody today using them. You think something flopping around at night like a floppy man might work but guess not.
Dave
Several years ago people were trying the inflatable floppy man to help deter owls. I never heard that they worked and I don't hear anybody today using them. You think something flopping around at night like a floppy man might work but guess not.
Dave
PMCA member