scarecrow

There are a range of devices to keep the birds at bay. To keep birds
off your roof
off your boat
off your grapes
off hard to protect areas

If birds aren't deceived by an inflatable owl or a fake snake there's always the traditional human form of scarecrow. These are pretty scary:
Charles and Camilla
Ringo
or perhaps the scariest figure possible: the Barrister
(more)

boynton is rather taken with this scarey man
This man-sized inflatable scarecrow, which operates electronically and automatically, combines sudden movement as it inflates rapidly, with a siren-like noise, a bird phobic colour and on some models, illumination at night...His body is tough....he is completely portable... (and) he is totally weatherproof...
(see the testimonials: Scarey Man had paid for himself within the first week)

---

Comments: scarecrow

Scary man: woo-hoo!!
Posted by Nora at September 16, 2003 02:13 PM

Yes and he's only $1240.00 (AUD - GST Inc.)

Warning: this is NOT a hint for someone's birthday. ;)
Posted by boynton at September 16, 2003 02:21 PM

I think one modelled on Jeff Kennett would be particularly effective. I'd pay more for that.
Posted by phlip at September 16, 2003 03:32 PM

Hmm...in the meantime, will this do?

http://www.scarecrowland.co.uk/Pictures/s3.jpg
Posted by boynton at September 16, 2003 04:00 PM

Coincidentally, I saw my first fake owls on boats just this weekend, as I strolled around Albert Park lake. They were initially very convincing, when spied out of the corner of your eye, but then rapidly became very unconvincing, when stared at, hard.
I have a fondness for spikes on the top of sculptures, my personal favourite example being Bourke and Wills on the corner of Swanston and Collins.
A finer set of head spikes you will never see, I believe.
Posted by mcb at September 16, 2003 04:45 PM

I wonder if the vision of birds is equal to a (human) out-of-the-corner-eye-spy ? I suspect it would have to be more precise than that - which makes me think they aren't long fooled by such fakery but perhaps are repelled by the aesthetics? ;)
And if it wasn't drizzling mcb I'd be on the bus pronto to inspect these intriguing spikes you mention first hand.
Posted by boynton at September 16, 2003 04:51 PM

A tew years ago we installed a system of hooters on a wool shed in Laverton. Whenever it sensed birds on the roof it set of this massive siren. Anyone living within cooey would have thought there was an air-raid. In the end the birds ignored it.
Posted by Tony.T at September 17, 2003 08:44 AM

The roof that cried woo.
Posted by Tony.T at September 17, 2003 08:44 AM

Ringo's smoking. I notice these things.

The barrister's Tedpole Of The Bailey.
Posted by Tony.T at September 17, 2003 08:46 AM

the roof that cried Oy! ?

the ploy that cried roolf ?
Posted by boynton at September 17, 2003 10:19 AM

Jewish roof was it?
Posted by Tony.T at September 17, 2003 12:06 PM

more your oldtime aussie "oy" in the 'oh what a lovely pie m'boys' tradition...
(that'd be 4 and 20 blackbirds scared off a roof of course)
Posted by boynton at September 17, 2003 12:35 PM