On the day of 9 Apr 2006 19:08:40 -0700...
"AndyS"
typed these letters:

Andy writes:

Well, I'm starting a new garden and stuff has sprouted and things
seem to be going well. But I am apprehensive about my tomatoes.
I live in a very rural area and there are LOTS AND LOTS of birds,
including crows the size of owls..... I am sure these critters
love tomatoes, figs, and grapes........

So, I am considering putting up a scarecrow.

Has anyone here had experience with scarecrows and would
you be willing to pass along any tips and techniques on making
it effective ?

Thanks for your informed advice....

Andy in Eureka, Texas


I've seen crows perch on scarecrows. These scarecrows didn't look
a lot like people though. I've always though a department store
mannequin might work. In strawberry patches I regularly see a stakes
driven in the ground about 4' high with about a foot long
string attached to the top. The other end of the string is tied to
an aluminum pie pan. I guess the idea is that the pie plate clanked
against the stake in the wind. I've never tried it, so I can't say it
works, but I see it done a lot.

I've never had a problem with birds messing with my tomatoes.
Them big green ugly tobacco/horn worms are the things that
hit me here in North Carolina.