Birds Making Mess on Deck —- Solutions?

[J295]

The local robins and sparrows like to sit on our deck railing and relieve themselves and make a mess… Any methods to keep them away? Thanks

[UpperNwGuy]

A large cat.

[Cheez-It Guy]

An owl.

[BIGal]

We had same problem so we use an aluminum pie pan with a hole for a string and tied it on the railing and it has helped take care of the problem.

[InMyDreams]

you could try one of the large plastic owls. They sell them at hardware and garden stores.

Or ask a falconer to bring his bird by every so often.

[Info_Hound]

I have a super soaker (kid's summer toy) loaded with water at the ready inside the door. The birds used to sit and just look at me smugly (while pooping on the rails) until the first time they are hit with a blast from the soaker. It has a 25-30 foot range of reach. My deck is half of that size. It did not take long for them to become nervous about that particular area for perching.

It also works on the annoying Northern flicker that likes to drum on my roof at 5am. I can reach him with the soaker, he too used to watch me try and shoo him away with no luck. He has since moved on to another place more friendly. (Yes, I would go out in my PJs at that hour to get him.)

Bonus - Environmentally friendly, no litter or other things need to be retrieved for the next round of engagement and the grass below would get an extra drink from time to time.

[J295]

These are great ideas. Thank you!

The soaker sounds like an exciting option.

[jebmke]

I had a problem with A Mockingbird sitting on the bluebird house making a mess. I put up a pinwheel. Doesn't seem to bother the bluebirds and the Mocker has moved along.