Day 24 - The attack of the Magpies

The watermelon transplants appear to have survived going from the paper cup starter pots to being planted into hills of topsoil.

This week I noticed the Magpies started to show up in the garden area. They stand on the top edge of the watermelon hills and disturb the loose soil. On one plant they picked at it and cut off a leaf.

I thought about making a scarecrow or something similar. Instead I stopped by my local Lowe’s and sure enough there was this scary looking owl. It claims to keep the birds away but you have to move the owl around. For $13 it is worth a try.

While purchasing the owl I wondered. What is the real purpose of the owl, to scare birds away or catch the eye of the gardener so he would purchase it?

Somewhat like fishing lures. They are all made up pretty and shiny with promises to catch lots of fish. But is the real purpose of those fish lures to catch fish or catch buyers?

Mr. Owl is now perched on his pole looking stately and in control. The big question is, will the birds respect him and leave my garden alone, especially the 200 lb watermelon plants?

Stay tuned.