Using an Owl Decoy to Deter Birds and Undesired Wildlife

I love the outdoors and wildlife, but only up to the point that they become a nuisance. If you are experiencing a problem with birds, rabbits, rodents, or other small animals around your home or garden, then consider using an owl decoy as a deterrent.

Most owl decoys mimic the great horned owl. You might not think so from looking at them, but great horned owls are fierce predators. They have incredibly keen vision, and very sharp talons capable of exerting 300 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) of bone and flesh crushing power.

Almost any living creature that walks, crawls, flies, or swims (with the exception of large mammals) is the great horned owl's legitimate prey.

So if any of these pests are causing problems around your home or garden, then you may want to consider an owl decoy as a possible solution. Some work better than others, so let's take a look at the options available and which ones are the most highly recommended.

(Image Credit to InterRev - This is my personal photo of my owl decoy.)

I have tried both a solid plastic owl decoy and a moving owl decoy, and can say without a doubt that I had much better success with the electronic owl decoy that periodically moves its head. It is the movement that is detected by the wildlife pests, and that movement will have them heading the other way.

I had a problem with birds building nests on my deck. The deck has an upper and lower level. The birds were building nests on the underside of the upper level, so the lower level was getting covered up with bird droppings. This was a very nasty problem, considering I had patio furniture on the lower level. You couldn't use the table or the chairs, because they always had bird droppings on them. I needed a solution.

I made the decision to purchase the Dalen Gardeneer SRHO-4 Solar Rotating Head Owl.

What drew me to this model was:

• Lifelike head movement - The head is on a spring that allows it to tilt and wobble.
• Rotating head - Every two minutes, the head on this electronic owl decoy rotates.
• Solar powered - No batteries to mess with. This solar powered owl uses the power of the sun for its energy.
• Visually appealing - They are hand painted for a life-like appearance. Will add to the décor of your patio or garden.

Dalen Gardeneer SRHO-4 Solar Rotating Head OwlCHECK PRICE

If you choose this model too, I do recommend that you fill the bottom with sand or gravel to give it some weight. This will make it more sturdy and keep it from blowing over in gusty wind.

Here are several selections of owl decoys that all have moving heads for added realism. The Dalen Gardener SRHO-4 has a motorized head, using an embedded solar panel for power. The Easy Gardener 8021 is another model that has a motorized head, but it uses AA batteries for power and also makes a "hooting" sound for added realism.

The remaining models have a motion head that will move even in the slightest breeze.

These are all great options for deterring pests and other wild animals from around your home or garden.

Here is a video showing a solar powered owl decoy in action. Since it is solar powered, there are no batteries to worry about, so you can set it up and let it do its thing. You can see how the movement from the head can attract attention and deter those unwanted pests from around your home or garden.

Leave a comment below about these owl decoys, or just say "Hi" and let me know you were here!