Hey everyone! I have this huge leylandii tree in my yard that's become a home for a group of magpies. While I appreciate their clever antics, things took a turn when one of them swooped down on my 4-year-old, and now she's too scared to even step into our garden. I've reached out to the local council, but unfortunately, they can't help. I'm looking for any advice or solutions that others might have tried to shoo these birds away. I know they're protected, and I wouldn't want to harm them or trap them, especially since I don't have any livestock. Short of getting some sheep to deter them, I'm feeling a bit lost!
2 Answers
I've heard that hanging up CDs can work as a distraction for magpies. In my experience, they used to be fine around me when I fed them, but now I just put out water instead. Oh, and if they swoop down on you, having an umbrella can help deter them, just as I did when a gull was constantly after me!
It sounds like the magpies might have nests or babies in that tree, which is why they’re so protective. First off, don’t antagonize them – they remember things and can hold a grudge! A good idea is to start leaving some food out for them; it can help them associate you and your kid with being friendly. But just a heads up, this could make them stick around even more. If you’re thinking about removing the tree, make sure to do it outside of nesting season, or you might run into legal issues. I’ve tried a lot of deterrents before, and honestly, those smart birds figured out everything I threw at them!