Bird Scarers - do they work?

[NoviceRod]

At the risk of déja vu, what are members' views on the rotating vanes or spidery devices as far as keeping the guano off the boat?

I know the b*gg*rs also cr*p on the wing, so they would not be effective against that, but would welcome any input as to whether they are worth buying.

I was also thinking of a possible string of old CDs (not playing them, but I am sure I shall get some suggestions for choice of music!) as a deterrent. I have already observed that the owls do not work, as some seagulls seem to be quite friendly with them!

 

[U4]

I was walking along the Christchurch river the other day and spotted a boat with all sorts of bird scarers (CD strings, spinning vanes, owl) in situ. The boat in question also had about 4 big sea birds having, what seemed like a party, on its bow!

 

[Nigelpickin]

Would say based on personal experience that no, they do not. Beware also of weather worn rotating scarers catching on canvas or grp, this can happen when the arms bend and can be expensive....

 

[Grampus]

There is a new electronic device called Deck Guard from the USA. They will deliver anywhere.

I know a couple of boats that have them and their owners say that they are very effective. I'm Planning to buy one for next season - nothing else I've tried seems as effective.
galps

 

[aquapower]

The best ones I've used are Gullsweep, I know a few who have them and won't have anything else.

http://www.gullsweep.uk.com/

 

[longjohnsilver]

The best ones I've used are Gullsweep, I know a few who have them and won't have anything else.

http://www.gullsweep.uk.com/

Gullsweep work well for me but still protect a small area. Netting is the only really effective protection for a large area.

 

[aquapower]

Gullsweep work well for me but still protect a small area. Netting is the only really effective protection for a large area.

I know what you mean, a customer of mine has 4 to protect his 41 ft boat so the buggers don't stand a chance.

 

[rbcoomer]

At the risk of déja vu, what are members' views on the rotating vanes or spidery devices as far as keeping the guano off the boat?

I know the b*gg*rs also cr*p on the wing, so they would not be effective against that, but would welcome any input as to whether they are worth buying.

I was also thinking of a possible string of old CDs (not playing them, but I am sure I shall get some suggestions for choice of music!) as a deterrent. I have already observed that the owls do not work, as some seagulls seem to be quite friendly with them!

From observation alone over the years, they acclimatise to anything new in time. Where I grew up, the neighbours fed the wretched things and washing, cars, windows etc were always getting guano'd! Foil or reflective materials on strings usually seem the most effective, but fake predators etc also seem to work if moved frequently. A shotgun is probably the most effective, but unfortunately neither legal nor practical! There is a guy who goes around the Bay with a Falcon - don't know how long they depart for, but certainly stops them nesting on your roof if he visits a few times early season

 

[standfirmrasta]

I know what you mean, a customer of mine has 4 to protect his 41 ft boat so the buggers don't stand a chance.

Yep ...I've had a gull scarer for some years ...no ****.........

Andy

 

[NigelBirch]

I think the bangolore bird scarer probably does work although possibly a little anti-social....

http://www.birdscaring.co.uk/

 

[Groot T]

My experience at scaring birds has been very effective for many years...

 

[NoviceRod]

I think the bangolore bird scarer probably does work although possibly a little anti-social....

Reminds me of when we lived in Kent and the cherry season - yes I would agree they are effective but antisocial!

 

[NoviceRod]

My experience at scaring birds has been very effective for many years...

Please, do share!

 

[longjohnsilver]

Please, do share!

Rod, suspect he's not talking of the feathered variety..............

 

[NoviceRod]

Rod, suspect he's not talking of the feathered variety..............

I wonder if they cr*p all over his boat, though ...

 

[P4Paul]

I find throwing bird seed on a boat further down the pontoon keeps the birds off Hunros.














Only joking.








It's bread crusts I use.

 

[lisilou]

Just get a 'Steve Dunstable'...that should do the trick!

 

[rbcoomer]

Just get a 'Steve Dunstable'...that should do the trick!

I thought Steve just made it rain?

 

[lisilou]

I thought Steve just made it rain?

A man of many talents

 

[Keen_Ed]

If you look at the keelboats moored in Cowes Roads, you'll see that they nearly all have multiple gullsweeps. the only thing that's been found to work.