Magpies are known for their intelligence and adaptability, qualities that make them fascinating garden visitors but can also pose a challenge for those trying to attract a variety of birds. Bird enthusiasts have seen firsthand the impact these clever birds can have on bird feeders. They are drawn to the feeders designed for smaller birds like robins, often scaring them off and devouring the food intended for them.
To maintain a harmonious and diverse garden bird community, it’s essential to implement strategies that deter magpies while still welcoming other bird species. The key to discouraging magpies without affecting other birds lies in understanding their behaviour and physical abilities. According to the pros at The Bird Identifier, one popular method for keeping magpies away from bird feeders is to use physical barriers.
The main physical barrier they recommended was to use “reflective ribbons”. They explained: “These ribbons are designed to reflect sunlight and create flashes of light as they move with the wind.
“This movement creates an illusion of danger, which can deter magpies from coming too close to your bird feeder and garden.”
Shiny materials like reflective ribbon bounce sunlight, creating sudden flashes that can imitate predator movements, leading magpies to perceive the area as a no-go zone.
Thankfully, reflective material doesn’t affect other birds like robins in the same way since they usually forage on the ground and are not as drawn to shiny things in the sky.
Additionally, robins are generally more curious and less skittish than magpies, allowing them to swiftly adapt to new features in their environment.
The pros also suggested using homemade repellents, such as chilli pepper and essential oils, as “effective” methods.
One option is to make a spicy mixture by combining cayenne pepper, chilli powder, and paprika with water in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and spritz around the feeder area and on top of the seeds. Magpies have a sensitive sense of smell and taste, so they “avoid the spiciness that irritates their eyes and throats”.
The second approach involves using essential oils known for their “unpleasant scent for magpies”, such as peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or tea tree oil. Mix a few drops of these oils with water in a spraying bottle and apply them around the feeding station regularly. These scents will “not only repel magpies but also enhance the aroma of your garden”.
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