How to Scare Away Buzzards

Buzzard are not a bird that many people find attractive, and for good reason! Large, noisy and smelly, they will hang out (and defecate) any place that they like regardless of frequent habitation or activity by humans. Unfortunately, this can include large trees that are close to or above backyard patios, swimming pools, or above houses. Luckily, there are many things you can try to scare away buzzards.

Things You'll Need

• Whistle
• Shotgun
• Pellet gun
• Goose decoy
• Drumset
• Hose

Instructions

1. Make some loud noises! Shrill whistles, booming sounds such as a shotgun blast, or pounding on a drumset are all ways to scare them away. Do this randomly as you see the buzzards settling in to roost and you may be successful at keeping them away.

2. Shake them loose. First, cover yourself with a raincoat or good hat, then shake the tree as hard as you can! Buzzards are not going to want to hang around on something that is unstable. You may have to do this several times in order to get them to choose a new home. You may even consider cutting down the tree, if it's not one you are particularily fond of.

3. Spray them loose. Using a powerful hose, direct a stream of water at them. You may need to use more than one hose at a time in order to get enough power to knock them off their perch, but if you are successful, they will probably not return!

4. Scare them off with geese decoys. Geese have been known to attack buzzards. They will usually not settle where there are geese nearby.

5. Try using a pellet gun. You may have to check with your neighbors or the local police to make sure no one objects to this. A few sharp stings to the rear of a buzzard should be enough to scare it away! You can also purchase a "bird scarer" at many sporting stores, which makes a noise that birds don't like.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your local wildlife association for more tips and ideas.

• Check with your local neighborhood association and police before doing anything drastic, including cutting down trees, making loud noises and using pellet guns.