Keeping crows out of your bird bath can be a challenge, as they are highly intelligent and adaptable birds. However, with a few strategic measures, you can make your bird bath less appealing to crows while still welcoming smaller birds. Here are some step-by-step strategies to help you achieve this:
1. Modify the Bird Bath
Make the bird bath less accessible to crows by altering its design:
- Decrease the Water Depth: Crows prefer to wade in bird baths with deeper water. Keep the water level shallow enough for small birds but too shallow for crows.
- Add Sloped Sides: A bird bath with steeply sloping sides will make it difficult for crows to stand comfortably in the water.
2. Use Deterrent Objects
Place objects in and around the bird bath that discourage crows from landing:
- Install Bird Spikes: Place bird spikes around the edge of the bird bath to prevent crows from perching there.
- Use Reflective Items: Hang reflective tape or old CDs near the bird bath. The light reflections can deter crows.
3. Create a Crow-Proof Surrounding
Modify the environment around your bird bath to make it less crow-friendly:
- Remove Perches: Crows are more likely to use a bird bath if there are suitable perching sites nearby. Trim branches or remove perches that crows could use.
- Limits Food Sources: Ensure there are no accessible food sources close to the bird bath. If crows are coming for food, they’ll also use the water.
4. Provide Alternative Water Sources
Give crows their own water source away from the bird bath:
- Set Up a Crow-Specific Bath: Sometimes, giving crows their own place to bathe and drink can keep them away from the smaller bird bath.
5. Incorporate Movement
Crows often avoid areas with unpredictable movements:
- Use a Water Wiggler: A device that moves the water in the bird bath can prevent crows from feeling comfortable.
- Install a Fountain: A small fountain can scare off crows while attracting smaller birds.
6. Employ Visual Deterrents
Use visual scare tactics to keep crows at bay:
- Place a Fake Predator: Models of predators, such as owls or hawks, can deter crows.
- Set Up Scarecrows: A well-positioned scarecrow can be effective if moved regularly to prevent crows from becoming used to it.
7. Implement Noise Deterrents
Crows are sensitive to noise, so consider using sound to keep them away:
- Play Distress Calls: Recordings of crow distress calls can deter them from entering your yard.
- Use Ultrasonic Deterrents: Devices that emit ultrasonic sounds can be annoying to crows and may keep them at a distance.
Summary
By using a combination of the strategies above, you can effectively keep crows out of your bird bath while maintaining a welcoming environment for other smaller birds. Remember to be patient and consistent with your efforts, as crows are very smart and might take some time to be completely deterred. Adjust your strategies as needed until you find a solution that works for your particular situation.
Keep in mind that crows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, and similar protections exist in other countries, so any deterrent used should be humane and not harm the birds.