DO SCARECROWS WORK?

For as long as humans have been planting and growing their own crops they have been battling to keep the birds away.  Scarecrows, at one time found in just about every garden, are now more common around Halloween.  Why?  Well, frankly, they just don't work that well.  

Why don't they work well?
Birds are smart.  They figure out pretty quickly that the classic scarecrow (designed to look like a human) is not real and within a few days they are right back in the garden pecking away at whatever is available.  Some gardeners have tried moving the scarecrows around each day to make it seem like it's 'working' in different locations, but eventually the birds just figure out it's not a real person and go right back to helping themselves.

Are there alternatives?
Classic scarecrows can be built with arms that will move in the wind.  This is pretty creative and probably works better as long as there is wind to make them move.  Adding sound is also helpful as it can help to scare the birds.  This is definitely a step up from the classic 'stick' scarecrow. 

A newer technological invention is motion activated 'scarecrows.'  These do not resemble 'classic' scarecrows at all.  Two examples are the automatic sprinkler and an owl with a turning head.  I don't know about the sprinkler (birds love when I turn mine on), but the reviews on the owl are pretty good so it's an option.  Other options are 'shimmering' reflective ribbons tied to plants or fake snakes.  I don't know what is best or if any of them are worth it or not but we just choose to keep it simple.  We just anticipate sharing some of our crop with the local birds and if we  don't want to share, we just cover those particular plants with netting.

Bird enjoying our garden sprinkler!

Is it worth it to have a scarecrow?
Absolutely!  I still love having a scarecrow in my garden whether it keeps the birds away or not.  It's fun to have  and, in my opinion, my garden wouldn't feel complete without it!  

Make your own scarecrow!
Whether it is for Halloween or to keep in your garden, here are three different plans at different levels so you can build your own scarecrow.  Enjoy:-)

For Children:
Four step scarecrow construction plans designed for children!  So simple!
Build A Garden Scarecrow

Easy:
How To Make A Scarecrow Without Money or Skill

Advanced:
This awesome DIY scarecrow has moving arms and makes noise! 
How to Make Scarecrow that Moves and Chimes