Wattle Birds- is there any way to shut them up?

[elusiveeditions]

Thought there might be some fresh ideas here, because I tell you- we're all out.

For the past 2 years we've had wattle birds waking us up at dawn, and it's peak squawking time now that spring has sprung.

It's the most annoying sound I've ever heard- beats a screaming baby by miles. At least you can attempt to DO something with a screaming baby. Nothing works on wattle birds, they just keep doing it. That noise waking you daily is a mild bform of torture.

Best method so far is the hose- I won't go through the almost-clinical trials I did last year, but I got it down to 2 hose-blasts and 15 mins. This year, I decided to be less insane and not let it bother me so much.

But, it's bothering me. The big male one started at 5.38am this morning and I know from my testing last year that it'll get earlier, and go for longer. Apart from 1) removing all trees and 2) an air rifle (am friggin' tempted)- has anyone had any success with getting rid of them? I can't be the only person copping this!

[ten*teeny*tiny*toes]

I think it may be the butcherbird call that I love...not quite like a magpie, but close.

The curlews on the islands (Whitsundays) omg. Noisy buggars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZWHUU41gsk

[elusiveeditions]

(General reply)

Thanks everyone. I guess we're all more/less sensitive to different noises, perhaps in different surrounds/circumstances.

I find it easier to drown out traffic or even building noise that this stupid awful creature.

To those saying "But birdsong is wonderful, our planet wouldn't be the lovely place it is without it"- I don't disagree with you, but you haven't experienced this thing. Ghandi would be tested. There are many other birds making lovely noise- this is different. I'd even prefer a flock of cockatoos b/c it's over with quickly. Kookaburras are fine, bring them on. The dawn wattle bird goes for at least 30 mins. I think it's the relentless repetition that does us in.

'Why do people move to these places and THEN complain"? Simple- we knew there'd be birds, native ones too!- just not exactly what this particular native bird actually does, on a daily basis. You don't really know until you go. I hope that makes sense to you.

The early morning is NOT wonderful at 5.38am if you've worked until 2am and need some sleep 🙂

Kopenhagen- he jumps between the apple tree right outside the window, and some bushes you mention, but doesn't mind the trees either. Concreting the whole shebang would seem to be the go! (joking) but I think we'll get rid of the apple tree.

On cats- the neighbour has 3 free-range cats... I thought you weren't supposed to let cats roam and kill stuff, but was selfishly hoping they'd help our cause. But all they do is poop everywhere.

Thanks for the other suggestions- I'll check that ultrasonic device, sounds harmless even if it doesn't work 🙂

Meanwhile I need to encourage the local falcons.... I have seen a few, need to lure them to my place 🙂

[colic2bullsgirlore]

It could be worse 

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSZtoXIb7do

We have one in the nature reserve behind us that does the best chainsaw  double misfire and then start and rev at full

throttle  you ever heard

[colic2bullsgirlore]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocCPvl6mUmo

[go-tazz]

If you've got a few old CD's or DVD's just hang a few of those up,(once it becomes light they reflect and it

seems to confuse them and they take off).

It works when put in fruit trees so this might be no different,

[elusiveeditions]

Thanks go-tazz, I'm going to give that a try. It's both easy and reeks of desperation (appropriate).

If it works, believe me I'll let you know 🙂

[elusiveeditions]

Oh colic2- it does sound like that! It also sounds like an angry/manic clown horn.

[j*oono]

Does it sound like this?

Yes, I can see your point LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcxUndi2Lgg

[elusiveeditions]

j*onoo- yes that's almost it! Except louder and much higher pitched. That one sounds like it had a sore throat and couldn't quite get into full song.

When I played that video, my dog sat up and ran to the door- this bird has us all well-trained LOL.

[chuk_77]

i have a chorus of 2 cinnamon green cheeks, 2 normal green cheeks and 2 indian ringnecks outside at the crack of dawn. Then gilbert the ringneck screams the song of his people to drown them out. he lives inside. My house is only silent in the dark. I love it.

The honeyeaters come to the front in the afternoon and twice a day the sulphurs fly over screeching.