Fall is a magical time. The leaves change color, the air turns brisk, hot apple cider and bonfires trend and scarecrows arrive. If you’ve never ventured beyond pumpkin carving and need scarecrow craft ...

Understanding the Context

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] . A lot of great powers are wielded by the scarecrows, including the exact imitation of victims' voices and the ability to reanimate their victims for use to their own fiendish means.

Key Insights

Were scarecrows ever an effective bird-scaring tool? If so, when and why did they fall out of use? And how did they go from agricultural tech to essential autumnal decor? This article will explore the history of scarecrows, how good they are at deterring birds, and how to make and use them in your garden. I’ll also delve into some creative alternatives and tips to maximize their bird-scaring potential.

Final Thoughts

Whenever fall comes around, the scarecrows come out! We'll take a look here at 30 facts about scarecrows and how they became known for more than harvest! Whether used for decoration or to keep pests away, scarecrows can be a fun addition to your yard and garden. From funny scarecrows to scary ones, here are 13 amazing scarecrows to inspire you. Discover how scarecrows can help you keep birds and even deer and small animals away from your plants, plus innovative ways some farmers are adapting the scarecrow in the 21st century.