A backyard filled with bird song can be inviting and relaxing. However, a yard filled with hundreds of blackbirds can be problematic. From the noise to the mess, a flock of blackbirds can cause disruption and potentially spread disease. Easily identifiable by their black body, orange beak and orange circle around the eyes, blackbirds en masse often make the most-wanted list for some home owners. You can take steps to discourage blackbirds from frequenting your backyard.
Remove potential food from the yard. Collect fruit and berries as soon as they are ripe, placing them in a container with a cover. Prune holly and other wild berries from shrubs or trees to reduce the food source for blackbirds. Avoid seeding your lawn during peak times when blackbirds are around in large numbers.
Tie helium-filled balloons in different parts of the yard as a deterrent. Hang aluminum pie plates from limbs and branches throughout the yard. These can discourage blackbirds.
Stretch string around portions of the yard in a criss-cross pattern to block blackbirds, especially around edible plants. Also use bird netting stretched across various parts of the yard to discourage the birds from entering the area.
Place plastic animal decoys such as dogs, coyotes, cats, hawks or owls in highly visible areas. If you have a live cat in the yard, the cat might be able to scare off some birds, but keep in mind that not all cats are interested in killing every bird in sight.
Use noise makers such as air horns or whistles to frighten blackbirds away. Time the use of noise makers when birds are beginning to enter the area. Repeated use may be necessary to discourage blackbirds from the yard.
Things You Will Need
- Container with cover
- Helium balloons
- Aluminum pie plate
- Bird netting
- Animal decoy
- Air horn
- "Bird bomb" type devices can be used to discourage birds. Fired from a shotgun, the bomb typically explodes 150-200 feet in the air with a loud bang. Be aware that as of May, 2011, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives now regulates the use of "bird bomb" type devices by the general public. A federal explosives permit is now required.
- Devices such as bird bombs and air horns are loud not only to birds but to humans as well. Take precautions to protect your hearing and that of anyone else around you. Warn your neighbors when you are about to set off something like an air horn, and pay attention to all local noise ordinances.
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