Magpies In The Garden

[Elspeth]

We have recently become plagued by a pair of magpies that pull out plants (water lettuce etc. which float) and toss them out onto the side of the pond. We think they may be looking for fish food caught up in the plants. The plants are often near dead by the time we find them. Short of putting a net over the pond, which we are reluctant to do, does anyone have any ideas about repelling these 'pirates'?

[Buenchico]

Suggestions from the RSPB website:

"Half-full plastic bottles or CDs hung up in trees to scare the predators away. Magpies don't like the way light reflects from the surface.

GuardnEyes scarecrow balloon, available from Dazer UK.

It may be possible to deter them by playing a tape of a crow or rook distress call"

http://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/advice/gardening/unwantedvisitors/magpies.aspx

However I love magpies; they're stunningly beautiful. If I didn't have a house full of cats I'd be trying to attract them, not repel them!

[Jackdaw33]

Don't forget that if you see a solitary magpie you must tip your cap or tug your forelock and say,

"Good morning, Mr. Magpie, how is Mrs Magpie?", otherwise bad luck will ensue.