A scarecrow is a decoy or mannequin that is often in the shape of a human. Humanoid scarecrows are usually dressed in old clothes and placed in open fields to discourage birds from disturbing and feeding on recently cast seed and growing crops. [1] Scarecrows are used around the world by farmers, and are a notable symbol of farms and the countryside in popular culture.
The common form of a scarecrow is a humanoid figure dressed in old clothes and placed in open fields to discourage birds such as crows or sparrows from disturbing and feeding on recently cast seed and growing crops. [1] Machinery such as windmills have been employed as scarecrows, but the effectiveness lessens as animals become familiar with the structures. [2]
Since the invention of the humanoid scarecrow, more effective methods have been developed. On California farmland, highly-reflective aluminized PET film ribbons are tied to the plants to produce shimmers from the sun. Another approach is using automatic noise guns powered by propane gas. One winery in New York has even used inflatable tube men or airdancers to scare away birds. [3]
| Name | Locale |
|---|---|
| Hodmedod. [9] | Berkshire |
| Murmet. [10] | Devon |
| Hay-man. [11] | England |
| Gallybagger. [12] | Isle of Wight |
| Tattie Bogal. [13] [14] [15] | Isle of Skye |
| Tattie bogle. [9] [16] > Bodach-rocais (lit. "old man of the rooks"). [11] | Scotland |
| Mommet. [9] | Somerset |
| Mawkin. [9] | Sussex |
| Bwbach. [17] | Wales |
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Machinery of various kinds, such as wind-mills in miniature, horse rattles, etc., to be put in motion by the wind, are often employed to frighten crows; but with all of these they soon become familiar, when they cease to be of any use whatever.
Additionally, the humanoid frame of the traditional scarecrow was thought to aid in deterring the birds. The most effectual method of banishing them from a field, as far as experience goes, is to combine with one or other of the scarecrows in vogue the frequent use of the musket. Nothing strikes such terror into these sagacious animals as the sight of a fowling-piece and the explosion of gun powder, which they have known so often to be fatal to their race.
Such is their dread of a fowling-piece, that if one is placed upon a dyke or other eminence, it will for a long time prevent them from alighting on the adjacent grounds. Many people now, however, believe that crows like most other birds, do more good by destroying insects and worms, etc., than harm by eating grain.
Scarecrow Fact and Fable, Peter Haining, 1986
Media related to Scarecrows at Wikimedia Commons
Media related to Scarecrow festivals at Wikimedia Commons
