Bird scarer

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Jsacadura

Registered:1419781955
Posts: 346

Posted 1472425439	Reply with quote #1

Homemade solution to scare birds. A cardboard silhouette of a hawk on top of a tall cane. And it works too... Here it is on top of my MoscatelBranco fig tree. It moves slightly with the wind and imitates a hawk hovering over a prey. I haven't lost a fig yet and the peach, pear and apple trees nearby are also untouched. Last year i made one, even more crude, but it "flew" with the wind. No birds approach the area and unlike previous years i had a great crop of figs. Meanwhile, my Preto de Torres Novas fig tree, 500 yards away, is a bird's heaven. They eat all the figs. I have to make another one and place it there. For the not so handy, there are professional solutions. They are even used in public buildings to scare pigeons and other birds. No bird will risk facing a hawk. Here's one: __________________ Jaime - Zone 9b - near Caldas da Rainha - Portugal Wish List: São Luís, Valamandil, Sofeno Tradicional, Cótio, Cavaleiro, Belmandil, Coll de Dame de Ciutat, Strawberry Verte, Marabout, Sihagi.

rayrose

Registered:1453996431
Posts: 76

Posted 1472430187	Reply with quote #2

Jaimie, That's amazing. I've been netting my trees and this is a much better solution. How tall is the post that you're using? If only there was an equally simple solution to ward off hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets. Ray __________________ Ray zone 8 Columbia, SC

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,117

Posted 1472431290	Reply with quote #3

Great idea! Looks inexpensive to build! In the past I have used bird of prey kites to scare birds from wine grapes. But the kite, line and post are expensive and last only a few seasons. __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

Jsacadura

Registered:1419781955
Posts: 346

Posted 1472431593	Reply with quote #4

It's a natural cane about 5 meters, Ray. I have many around and this is a good use for them. Last year i tied it to a phone pole, but this year it's simply in the middle of the fig tree. The insects you mentioned usually only target figs that were attacked first by birds. As for the other pests that i read about which eat figs over there, i have no solutions. The worst i have around here besides insects and birds are rabbits. I have to protect most of my young tree trunks as they can do lots of damage chewing the tree bark. But they don't climb trees yet so most of my figs are safe :-) __________________ Jaime - Zone 9b - near Caldas da Rainha - Portugal Wish List: São Luís, Valamandil, Sofeno Tradicional, Cótio, Cavaleiro, Belmandil, Coll de Dame de Ciutat, Strawberry Verte, Marabout, Sihagi.

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1472438934	Reply with quote #5

yours looks great! The kite is also! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

rayrose

Registered:1453996431
Posts: 76

Posted 1472478658	Reply with quote #6

I have rabbits too and lost one of my best fig trees to one particular rabbit that ate all of the bark off the tree. I've since purchased five animal traps that yield many rabbits, raccoons, opossums and squirrels every year. I also have an air rifle that has taken out 7 rabbits so far this year. It's a constant war, when you have an orchard. I'm definitely going to try your simulated hawk next year. It may even help with the flying insects too. __________________ Ray zone 8 Columbia, SC

SCfigFanatic

Registered:1450004954
Posts: 469

Posted 1472483615	Reply with quote #7

Rayrose, If you concentrate on getting rid of the pests at the beginning of the season your battle is only a pop up problem to keep them gone. Worked a charm this year for me. I haven't had one problem with pests all season. I know I have picked 12 pounds of figs so far. I weigh after each picking of figs. It is nice to not worry about netting, pop up toys, cd's hanging from trees ect. Doug __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8

rayrose

Registered:1453996431
Posts: 76

Posted 1472513533	Reply with quote #8

Doug, It's isn't just a beginning of the season problem, because when you get rid of one, another takes it's place. Do you use Jaimie's simulated hawk? Ray __________________ Ray zone 8 Columbia, SC

SCfigFanatic

Registered:1450004954
Posts: 469

Posted 1472514799	Reply with quote #9

No, but we have a pair of hawks that fly over and nest in the woods behind our place. They have been around for years. Not sure they helped with the pests as much as the air rifle. Doug __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8

Jsacadura

Registered:1419781955
Posts: 346

Posted 1472523277	Reply with quote #10

Thanks for the comments, pino, I only discovered the kite this year and although much more natural looking i have concern's about it's longevity specially because it must be taken down in high winds and sometimes we are not around to do that when needed. My simulated hawk is inexpensive and if the wind blows it away (it happened in the end of last season with the "old" model but his job was done), i will simply replace it. Doug, I had a pair of eagles that nested in the woods near one of my old fig trees and the birds didn't eat any of those figs. And i saw no signs of rabbits in that area too. That's what made me try the simulated hawk in the first place. Ray, I usually have problems with the rabbits and the young pear or apple trees. They never went for the young fig trees and i usually don't protect them only the other types of tree. I bought an animal trap also, but never managed to trap a simple rabbit in them, even placing inside all the things they love to eat, like fallen peaches, apples, pears, etc. I have covered the trap, used gloves to mask my scent and so on, but never caught a single one. I also have an air rifle but they are much to smart to come out in the open in day light. The same for the black birds. They are experts in moving at ground level and through the thick brush and they puncture all the fruits. No punctures in the fruits near my hawk. I've finished the second simulated hawk and i'm going to place it near my Preto de Torres Novas tree. It will be the first year that i won't place a net over this tree. Without the net i have yet to pick a single mature fig - they have eaten them all until now, when they begin to change color. Let's see what happens now. __________________ Jaime - Zone 9b - near Caldas da Rainha - Portugal Wish List: São Luís, Valamandil, Sofeno Tradicional, Cótio, Cavaleiro, Belmandil, Coll de Dame de Ciutat, Strawberry Verte, Marabout, Sihagi.

rayrose

Registered:1453996431
Posts: 76

Posted 1472528268	Reply with quote #11

Jaimie, Rabbits won't go near baited traps, when there is plenty of natural food to eat. But in the winter, when their natural food is gone, is a different story. Apples usually work for me. Rabbits are usually easy to sneak up on, if you take your time and use natural cover to hide behind. I shot one last last week, that has been evading me for almost a month. I couldn't get within 50 yards of him without him somehow sensing me. I have a telescopic scope on my rifle, and when I saw him through my kitchen window, I decided to stay inside my garage so he couldn't sense me at all. I hid behind the door and got him at 30 yards with one shot. That was one smart rabbit. My biggest problem is squirrels, but they can't resist sunflower seeds. I trap between 40 - 50 every year. __________________ Ray zone 8 Columbia, SC

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1472533205	Reply with quote #12

How do you trap the squirrels? I tried with several traps and none got in, I think we have too much free food around and they don't want to take a bait __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1472543025	Reply with quote #13

Hi Jsacadura, For rabbits you need to find their trails and put the trap there in the middle of the way. They use some highways and that's were you've got to trap. If you find their burrows, you can trap there too. __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

nycfig

Registered:1380768118
Posts: 884

Posted 1472553696	Reply with quote #14

Quote: Originally Posted by greenfig How do you trap the squirrels? I tried with several traps and none got in, I think we have too much free food around and they don't want to take a bait Kania 2000. It's the best! __________________ Danny NYC Z7a It's all about the figs! Facebook: NYCfigs Buying Fig Trees and Cuttings From the Internet

nycfig

Registered:1380768118
Posts: 884

Posted 1472554121	Reply with quote #15

Quote: Originally Posted by Jsacadura Homemade solution to scare birds. A cardboard silhouette of a hawk on top of a tall cane. And it works too... Nice job! I employ different methods all season long. Seems like they get used to one and then come back. Have had partial long term success with 8" squares of Reflectix bubble insulation tied to a string and placed on the end of a long rod. Not as long as yours though. Have several of them throughout the backyard orchard. The silvery squares are constantly fluttering even in the slightest breeze. Going to add this to the arsenal. Thanks for sharing it! __________________ Danny NYC Z7a It's all about the figs! Facebook: NYCfigs Buying Fig Trees and Cuttings From the Internet

Jsacadura

Registered:1419781955
Posts: 346

Posted 1472556174	Reply with quote #16

Thanks for the tips, Ray and jdsfrance. I will try to put them in practice to see if i am more lucky with rabbits. Danny, You are right. They do get accustomed to reflective ribbons and similar devices. They work for some time then they don't work anymore. But with the hawk its another matter. They know that giving a chance to a hawk means quick death so they they don't even give it another look. I have seen birds make a U-turn in mid fly and go the way they came when they come when they see that familiar silhouette above them. I don't think i mentioned that the cardboard silhouette is wrapped in black plastic (i staple and glue the plastic to the cardboard) to protect it from rain and to make it more believable. In the old model i also add a few strips of reflective material like tail feathers so they see it better from greater distances. In the afternoon, i used to have flocks of birds in the trees near that area, making lots of noise and flying to the fruit trees to peck on the fruits. Now, my afternoons are much more quiet :-) __________________ Jaime - Zone 9b - near Caldas da Rainha - Portugal Wish List: São Luís, Valamandil, Sofeno Tradicional, Cótio, Cavaleiro, Belmandil, Coll de Dame de Ciutat, Strawberry Verte, Marabout, Sihagi.

nycfig

Registered:1380768118
Posts: 884

Posted 1472561223	Reply with quote #17

Hi Jaime. Thanks for the extra info. Do you have a close-up pic of the hawk? Any particular silhouette that you used? __________________ Danny NYC Z7a It's all about the figs! Facebook: NYCfigs Buying Fig Trees and Cuttings From the Internet

rayrose

Registered:1453996431
Posts: 76

Posted 1472571277	Reply with quote #18

I use safeguard traps in various sizes from Blue Ridge outdoor supplies. For some reason this site won't let me do a copy and paste. __________________ Ray zone 8 Columbia, SC

Rewton

Registered:1291943117
Posts: 1,946

Posted 1472571815	Reply with quote #19

To follow up on Danny's question - is the silhouette a simple two-dimensional cut-out or is it three-dimensional so that it looks realistic from the side too? Any other tips on the construction? __________________ Steve MD zone 7a

Jsacadura

Registered:1419781955
Posts: 346

Posted 1472572220 · Edited	Reply with quote #20

Danny, I don't have a close-up view, but i can try to take a photo later. I inspired myself in the hovering hawk silhouettes i found online, like these: Hawk1 , Hawk2 Steve, It's two-dimensional. It doesn't seem to do matter cause the tip of the cane is quite flexible (that is essential to this approach) and when it moves with the wind it presents itself quite well from different sides. I use a cardboard silhouette and 2 black plastic silhouettes glued together (with the cardboard inside). The cardboard silhouette is smaller than the plastic ones at in the wings and tail. That allows for some movement of the tips of the wings and tail with the wind (so they can move with the wind, giving the shape a more 3D look when in use). The center cardboard part is reinforced with a few wires (like an inner skeleton). One wire goes through the cardboard from head to tail. The two others go from one wing to the other but only at about half the length (only on the cardboard piece). They also help to secure the hawk to the cane. When i make another i will try to post some pictures. __________________ Jaime - Zone 9b - near Caldas da Rainha - Portugal Wish List: São Luís, Valamandil, Sofeno Tradicional, Cótio, Cavaleiro, Belmandil, Coll de Dame de Ciutat, Strawberry Verte, Marabout, Sihagi.

SCfigFanatic

Registered:1450004954
Posts: 469

Posted 1472582864	Reply with quote #21

http://s298.photobucket.com/user/Southbuck7/media/Hawk%20vs%20cat/3-20150206131200.mp4.html I talk about our hawks, here was one lucky kitten Doug __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8

tinyfish

Registered:1472353452
Posts: 223

Posted 1472608323	Reply with quote #22

Great idea with the hawk, it can't hurt.

nycfig

Registered:1380768118
Posts: 884

Posted 1472642512	Reply with quote #23

Hi Jaime. Thanks again for the info. Do you secure the hawk to the rod through metal wire used for the inner skeleton? Or is it tied off to a string? Is the rod light enough that it moves in slight breeze? I think the hardest part for me is trying to find a long rod. __________________ Danny NYC Z7a It's all about the figs! Facebook: NYCfigs Buying Fig Trees and Cuttings From the Internet

PeterC

Registered:1442348302
Posts: 286

Posted 1472651009	Reply with quote #24

I was looking to order one for my yard, shipping to NY got steep. Too bad it cant be purchased local __________________ Growing: Sal's Corleone, Brooklyn Unknown, Peters Honey, White Kadoda, Brown Turkey, Black Mission, Deanna, Green Irchia, Hollier, Sals E Wanted: A very cold hardy fig, Hardy Chicago or Celeste Zone 7 Long Island

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1472651242	Reply with quote #25

Would this be too short or weak? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001H2YLTG/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

rayrose

Registered:1453996431
Posts: 76

Posted 1472657550	Reply with quote #26

You'd be better off going to a local fishing store and buying the longest cane pole they have. __________________ Ray zone 8 Columbia, SC

SCfigFanatic

Registered:1450004954
Posts: 469

Posted 1472660706	Reply with quote #27

use pvc, sold in 10-foot lengths. 1.5" should hold something like that. 2 sections at 20 feet should do. Bury it 3 feet or more deep. Pole will flex its self. Just what I would do if needed. Doug __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8

Rewton

Registered:1291943117
Posts: 1,946

Posted 1472661015	Reply with quote #28

I was thinking of looking for a long piece of bamboo for the rod. It is an invasive species here. __________________ Steve MD zone 7a

Jsacadura

Registered:1419781955
Posts: 346

Posted 1472733205 · Edited	Reply with quote #29

Danny, Yes. The hawk is secured to the rod with the same wire from the inner skeleton but if more convenient you can use another fixation system. If the rod is not much flexible on the tip you may even consider angling the haw a bit, so it can be in a more natural hovering position. I use natural cane (that grows invasive over here). The biggest ones reach 5-6 meters and sometimes have almost 2 inches of diameter at the base and less than the diameter of a finger at the tip. So with the hawk fixed at the tip they move quite a lot even with the lightest breeze. I think your best bet is going to a fishing store or shopping warehouse, like Ray is suggesting, and buying a 6 meters (18 feet) fiberglass telescopic fishing rod (carbon will be more expensive) . The cheapest telescopic rod they have will do because it will not be used for fishing. It doesn't need to be light so you can held it for long hours while fishing (that's why carbon is used versus fiber glass). It doesn't need to have SIC Titanium line Guides because abrasion on the fishing line will not be a problem. A graphite real seat will not be necessary also. And so on. So, the cheapest telescopic rod they have with enough length will do fine. If you can't find a telescopic rod, something like this might work : http://www.basspro.com/B%E2%80%99n%E2%80%99M-Ray-Scott-Telescopic-Jigger-Pole/product/10222877/ Igor, The type of rod you are showing could also work if it has enough tip resistance, but they tend to have much lighter tips and maybe they can't support the weight of the silhouette. It depends on the rod model. I would look for a fiberglass telescopic rod like the type used for beach seafishing. They tend to have much sturdier tips that are still quite flexible. Some cheapest kite models from China use the same type of rod you are showing , but the hawk is not fixed directly on the rod so the tip can handle it better. If you go for the kite approach that rod could perfectly work. This is a kite model i saw in a Chinese store. It doesn't have the quality or resistance of the first one i showed in one of the first messages though. http://www.birdcontrol.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/hawk-instructions.jpg Others ideas for kite models: https://www.google.pt/search?q=bird+scarer+from+china&safe=off&espv=2&biw=1536&bih=844&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjhsp_qlu7OAhUCD8AKHWkEA5gQ_AUIBigB#safe=off&tbm=isch&q=bird+of+prey+flying+kite+bird+scarer&imgrc=H4GMSa0rd6dIRM%3A A PVC pole could also be a good bet like Doug is suggesting. Cheap and flexible. Steve, If you have bamboo in your area it will be perfect. They are even sturdier and often longer than the canes i have over here. __________________ Jaime - Zone 9b - near Caldas da Rainha - Portugal Wish List: São Luís, Valamandil, Sofeno Tradicional, Cótio, Cavaleiro, Belmandil, Coll de Dame de Ciutat, Strawberry Verte, Marabout, Sihagi.

rayrose

Registered:1453996431
Posts: 76

Posted 1472738929	Reply with quote #30

I plan on using 1/2 inch pvc, which is more flexible, placed onto rebar driven into the ground. I have some very long (8-10ft) water spouts growing on my pear trees that need to be pruned. I can then push them into the top of the pvc, until they're secured and attach the hawk to the tip. That should give me anywhere from 16-18 ft. with enough action to make the hawk move enough. My question is do you use something like coat hanger wire for the frame, in order to make it more sturdy, and then attach it to the pole with more flexible galvanized wire. Or is there a better system. __________________ Ray zone 8 Columbia, SC

Jsacadura

Registered:1419781955
Posts: 346

Posted 1472771070	Reply with quote #31

Good idea, Ray. I think that will work. I use a medium diameter galvanized wire in the frame. I use a smaller diameter, more flexible, to secure the hawk to the pole, because it makes the task easier. __________________ Jaime - Zone 9b - near Caldas da Rainha - Portugal Wish List: São Luís, Valamandil, Sofeno Tradicional, Cótio, Cavaleiro, Belmandil, Coll de Dame de Ciutat, Strawberry Verte, Marabout, Sihagi.

jeffpas

Registered:1469070636
Posts: 47

Posted 1472827539	Reply with quote #32

This looks like a fun idea and relatively easy to do.... just wondering how long it lasts 'in the field' until the birds get used to it. I won't have figs until next year, but if anyone tries this would be interested let us know if/when they ever catch on and start ignorning it.

Cynthia24

Registered:1455944036
Posts: 14

Posted 1473047750	Reply with quote #33

Can you give a pattern for the hawk with exact measurements? I m thinking about covering it with black plastic garbage bags and then tapeing it with duct tape and making duct tape tails covered with glitter. __________________ Cynthia Bliss

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