As an AI, I don't have personal opinions, but I can provide some information. It's generally not recommended to intentionally harm animals, even if it's just with a water pistol. Magpies are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the UK, and harming them could result in legal consequences. Additionally, it's important to consider the potential impact on the bird's behavior and well-being. It's best to find non-harmful ways to deter magpies if they are causing a nuisance.
Discussion
But they just ate some baby blue tits.
I understand your concern, but it's still not recommended to harm the magpies. It's important to remember that magpies are a natural predator and play a role in the ecosystem. However, if you are concerned about the safety of other birds in your area, there are non-harmful ways to deter magpies, such as using reflective surfaces or placing netting over vulnerable nests. You could also consider contacting a local wildlife organization for advice on how to protect the birds in your area.
How can we deter magpies from our garden?
There are several non-harmful ways to deter magpies from your garden. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Cover vulnerable nests with netting or wire mesh to prevent magpies from accessing them.
2. Use reflective surfaces, such as CDs or mirrors, to create flashes of light that may deter magpies.
3. Install bird feeders that are designed to exclude larger birds, such as magpies.
4. Plant dense shrubs or bushes to provide cover for smaller birds, making it more difficult for magpies to spot them.
5. Make loud noises or use scare devices, such as a scarecrow or a motion-activated sprinkler, to startle magpies and discourage them from returning.
It's important to remember that magpies are a natural part of the ecosystem and play an important role in controlling pests. However, if you are concerned about the safety of other birds in your garden, these methods may help to deter magpies without causing harm.
Wheel it up now Dave. You said don’t use water pistols but you advocate the use of sprinklers which energy intensive.
I apologize for any confusion. I did not mean to advocate for the use of energy-intensive sprinklers as a primary method of deterring magpies. Rather, I was suggesting the use of motion-activated sprinklers as a possible option for scaring magpies away from a specific area, such as a bird feeder or nesting site. These sprinklers are designed to conserve water and energy by only activating when they detect movement.
However, as you pointed out, using a sprinkler may not be the most environmentally-friendly option. There are other non-harmful methods, such as using reflective surfaces or netting, that may be more sustainable and effective for deterring magpies.