From the page: The disposable cup deserves a second chance
Idea 4
Sound scarecrow
On small farms, beyond the classic scarecrow, people have always hung cans and pots that jingle in the wind to keep birds out of the garden. It works because animals associate irregular, sudden noises with danger — and plastic cups amplify and echo the sound like little resonating boxes.
What you need
- 4 to 6 plastic cups
- Nylon line, string, or thin wire
- Metal spoons, small lids, or nuts
- A hot needle or nail for poking holes
- A branch or broom handle as a support
How to make it
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1
Poke a hole through the center bottom of each cup: the string that holds the whole thing together runs through it.
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2
Place a small spoon, lid, or nut inside each cup, held by a short piece of string — that's what taps the walls and makes the jingling sound.
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3
Tie the cups at different heights along a main string: varied heights scatter the sounds, which confuses the birds even more.
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4
Hang the set from the branch or support at the edge of the garden, at mid-height, where the wind can move it easily.
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5
Test it with a gentle shake: the sound should be irregular and metallic, with no strings tangling.
Finishing touches
Move the set to a new spot every few days, because birds learn quickly that noise without danger isn't scary. On windy days, you'll get extra protection without spending a dime.
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