Magpies can be quite controversial as they are incredibly clever, but they tend to eat eggs from other nests which can stop other birds from visiting gardens. Birds spend more time scavenging in autumn as natural food sources like berries and insects decline, which means magpies are often seen at bird feeders during this time of year. Since magpies are bigger and extremely territorial, they can easily imitate songbirds like robins and cause them to avoid going near a garden altogether.
However David, an expert from Bird Proofing HQ, has shared an easy to keep magpies away while still encouraging robins – and all you need is some old CDs or DVDs. David said: “One effective way to deter magpies is by using reflective objects. These birds are sensitive to light reflections, which can startle and prevent them from entering your garden.
“Hanging old CDs or using bird scare tapes in strategic areas can create reflections that frighten magpies away. Bird scare tape, designed specifically for this purpose, can be affixed in areas where magpies frequent.”
CDs, or any shiny material, reflect sunlight and the sudden flashes of light can mimic the movement of predators which will make magpies believe an area is dangerous.
It can make magpies feel threatened or simply make them uncomfortable, as they tend to be more sensitive to reflective light than songbirds.
However, CDs do not have the same effect on robins which tend to feed on the ground so are less likely to investigate any shiny objects in the air.
They also tend to be more curious and less skittish than magpies, and can adapt quickly to new things in their environment.
How to keep magpies out of your garden to encourage robins
Simply tie some string to some old CDs and hang it from trees, fences or other high object in your garden.
Magpies tend to like open spaces, while robins prefer quieter areas. Make sure to space the CDs out evenly in a garden but keep them away from corners or tucked away areas.
Other ways to keep magpies out of your garden is stop throwing out kitchen scraps and instead put out foods robins love like mealworms, suet pellets and sunflower seeds.
Magpies are omnivores, so will love gardens that have meat or vegetables but are unlikely to find mealworms or fatty seeds appetising.
It can also help to use caged seeders that will let robins feed from them but are too small for magpies, so can deter them from your garden for the rest of autumn.