Flock Off: The Great Garden Bird War

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A bitter feud has erupted between neighbors in Poole, Dorset, over a most unlikely issue: garden ornaments. Jeff Williams is at loggerheads with his neighbors, Jane and Keith Morse, over their decision to fill their garden with bird of prey replicas. The statues, which include hawks and owls, are meant to scare away birds, but Jeff claims they’re driving away the very birds he wants to attract to his own garden.

Garden birds are a delight to have around, but some ornaments can scare them away.

Jeff is furious, claiming that the statues are akin to putting a “fierce” bulldog in the garden to scare away cats. He believes the ornaments are the reason why birds have stopped visiting his garden. However, Jane and Keith insist that the statues are purely decorative and not intended to deter birds.

Bird of prey replicas can be an effective, yet controversial, way to scare away birds.

The RSPB has weighed in on the issue, stating that such ornaments are often used as legal deterrents, but they often don’t work because garden birds get used to them. The organization advises against using these figures if you want to encourage birds into your garden.

Garden ornaments can be a lovely addition to your outdoor space, but choose wisely.

The dispute has sparked a heated debate about the rights of homeowners to decorate their gardens as they see fit, versus the potential impact on local wildlife. As the weather cools down, will the birds return to Jeff’s garden, or will the statues of prey remain a permanent fixture in the neighborhood?

Will the birds return to Jeff’s garden when the weather cools down?