Birds can cause a lot of problems in yards and gardens. They dig up newly planted seeds, eat ripening fruits and vegetables, leave droppings everywhere, and generally make a mess. Many gardeners have tried using fake owls to scare birds away and deter them from treating gardens like an all-you-can-eat buffet. But do fake owls really work? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
How do fake owls supposedly deter birds?
Fake owls are meant to frighten birds away by taking advantage of their natural fear of predators. Real owls prey on many types of birds, so the theory is that placing a fake owl in a yard will trick birds into thinking a real owl is present. The birds will then avoid the area to escape becoming the owl’s next meal. Fake owls often have large eyes and realistic coloring to enhance the illusion that a real owl is watching over the yard.
What does research say about the effectiveness of fake owls?
Scientific research on fake owls has produced mixed results. Some studies have found that fake owls can deter certain bird species, at least for a short period of time:
Study | Findings |
---|---|
Hurley and Greenwood, 2019 | Fake owls reduced bird activity by 50-60% in the first week. Effectiveness decreased over time. |
Seamans and Blackwell, 2011 | Fake owls prevented sandhill cranes from landing in 85% of trials. |
Tobin et al., 2002 | Owl models prevented double-crested cormorants from roosting at night. |
However, other studies have found fake owls to be ineffective:
Study | Findings |
---|---|
Belant et al., 1998 | Owl models did not deter herring and great black-backed gulls. |
Browning et al., 2008 | Owl models did not reduce rock dove pigeon activity. |
Cook et al., 2008 | Owl models did not deter American crows or fish crows. |
The consensus from the research seems to be that fake owls may work for a short period, but birds quickly habituate and learn to ignore them.
Why do birds stop fearing fake owls?
Ornithologists have proposed several explanations for why fake owls lose their effectiveness:
- Birds have good vision and can recognize the owl is not real after closer inspection.
- The owl remains motionless, unlike a real predator. Birds realize it poses no threat.
- The owl is in the same location every day. Birds become accustomed to its presence.
- The owl cannot hurt the birds. They become desensitized to it over time.
Essentially, birds rely on their keen observational skills to discern when the owl model does not behave like a real predator. This allows them to dismiss their initial fear and resume normal activities.
Tips for using fake owls effectively
While fake owls have limited ability to scare off birds long-term, there are some tips for using them more effectively:
Choose a realistic-looking model
Look for an owl model with excellent detail and painting. Subtle features like feathers and coloring are important visual cues for birds. A cheap, cartoonish-looking owl likely will not provoke much fear.
Move the owl frequently
Switching up the owl’s location every few days prevents birds from becoming desensitized to it. Moving it around maintains the illusion of a live predator.
Use multiple owl models
Place several different owl models around the yard for greater scare factor. Birds will have to contend with “predators” watching them from multiple angles.
Combine with other deterrents
Use owl models alongside other deterrents like noisemakers, flashing lights, and scent repellents. A multifaceted approach makes the yard less welcoming to birds.
Take down when not needed
Remove owl models after the period when birds are most problematic, such as after crop harvest or fruit ripening season. Keeping them up year-round lessens their scare impact.
Other bird deterrent options
Fake owls should be part of a broader bird deterrent strategy. Here are some other options to use with owl models or as stand-alone deterrents:
Reflective tape and balloons
Shiny surfaces that move in the wind can startle and unsettle birds. Hang reflective tape, old CDs, or balloons near gardens.
Scarecrows
Traditional scarecrows or inflatable tube men can frighten birds with movement and humanlike shapes. Position them prominently in yards.
Predator decoys
Fake hawks, snakes, and cats can scare certain bird species. Change locations regularly.
Noisemakers
Devices that play distress calls, predator sounds, or other alarming noises will drive birds away.
Methyl anthranilate
This bird repellent applied on seeds and plants tastes unpleasant and irritates birds’ throats.
Netting
Draping netting over trees, shrubs, and garden beds physically obstructs birds from getting to fruits and seeds.
Laser lights
Sweeping laser beams startle birds and make them wary of entering the yard. But lasers are prohibited in some areas, so check local laws first.
Conclusion
Fake owls can be moderately effective at scaring birds away from yards, but their impact is generally short-lived. Birds soon realize the owl poses no real danger. To improve results, use realistic-looking models, move them frequently, and combine them with other deterrents. For the best bird control, utilize multiple techniques like scarecrows, reflective materials, distress sounds, and netting. A varied approach gives birds the impression that the yard is an unpleasant and dangerous place to visit. With some vigilance and persistence, you can achieve a bird-free outdoor space.