Do scarecrows really work?

Question

Do (or did) scarecrows ever scare birds away, or was their use always based on culture and superstition? In films, they are usually covered in crows, and I've never seen a real farmer use one. Why would a bird be scared of a stationary figure of a person anyway?

Answer 1

yup i think they work when they r movable in the wind

Answer 2

If you can get some random noise or movement involved, all the better.

Like, strips of aluminum pie pans hanging that flash and flutter in the breeze, or balloons on strings (mylar, stronger and flashier)

But if you have something very tempting to birds, you should also look into buying bird netting at garden store or home store. It's pretty cheap and can save your crop.

You can get netting or translucent row cover, and can use it year after year.

Answer 3

Yes, they do work...as long as there's something moving on him (some straw, a scrap of cloth)...

Another thing that's big is "moose-blowers".  It's a can with a string through it that makes creepy loud noises when the wind blows through.

Most orchards use "bird cannons".  A loud bang goes off at different time intervals to scare the birds.

Answer 4

Yes, as long as there is some random movement. For instance a "scare crow" on a pole that turns in the wind or a plastic owl whose head swivels. It is the movement that frightens the birds, not the physical representation.

Answer 5

THE ONES I'VE BUILDT WORKED  

Answer 6

Of course they work; it gives the birds some place to sit.  Doesn't do much in scaring them away, however.