Compact
Scarecrow
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practical tips
Example of Playback Sequence
Assuming three bird distress calls are selected for broadcast randomly, automatically and during
daylight hours the following would be the playback sequence:
Start
Compact plays one of the three programmed birds, randomly selected, for 90 seconds.
Pause for 60 seconds (no audio).
Plays one of the two remaining birds selected randomly for 90 seconds.
Pause for 60 seconds (no audio).
Plays the remaining bird for 90 seconds.
The delay timer starts running for a random time, between 20 minutes and 45 minutes.
Random delay timer ends
Sequence repeats from ‘Start’ above.
How often to move the Compact
If the Compact is moved too frequently, the birds don’t associate the area with danger. Give the
Compact a chance to do its job and, if necessary, move it weekly around an affected area. In our
own trials, total control of pigeons was achieved for up to 3 weeks after moving the unit away to
another part of the farm. Depending on the lie of the land and the severity of the problem, it may
be necessary to move the unit several times to cover the whole of an affected area, or more units
may be needed.
Coverage area of the Compact
The coverage area of the Compact in one location depends on factors such as the lie of the land,
the presence of sound absorbing structures such as trees or hedges, sound reflecting structures
such as buildings and walls, the mounting height of the unit, the air temperature, the direction of
the prevailing wind and the wind speed. The use of the Slave unit, giving a complete 360°
coverage, would obviously add to the effect of the 200° Master unit and give the most effective
results.
In our own trials on a calm day in a shallow valley, rooks and crows up to 2 miles away lifted and
were disturbed. In the same valley, a 200 acre block of rape was kept clear of pigeons from one
Compact location. These are only examples; each situation will be different and an element of
trial and error will usually be required with positioning, volume setting, choice of distress calls and
frequency of re
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positioning the unit before effective control is achieved. It is important to
maximize the benefit of prevailing winds and to use these to enhance the distance that sound will
naturally travel. If not considered when positioning the Compact, it could be that the wind will
reduce the distance that the sound will travel, and hence the effective coverage of the unit
Effect on other animals such as horses and pheasants
The bird distress calls which are emitted are only recognisable as a threat to that particular
species providing the unit is set up according to these instructions. To any other animal or person
it is simply a natural bird sound and they are unlikely to be affected by it or to find the sound
intrusive. However, there can be no guarantee that animals will not be affected or alarmed,
especially if the sound level is set at an unnaturally loud level or the unit is located very close to
animal enclosures or bridleways. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary
precautions are taken to avoid any distress to animals.
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