Object number
51/422
Description
This is a wooden bird scarer of the rattle type, used for keeping birds off crops. A thin wooden strip vibrates against a toothed cog as it is rotated to produce a noise. It was bought by the donor from Shelton, Steep Hill, Lincoln.
Physical description
1 bird scarer: wood: good condition
Archival history
MERL Object Handling Research, Rachael Rogers, December 2019 - 'This is a wooden bird scarer of the rattle type, used for keeping birds off crops. A thin wooden strip vibrates against a toothed cog as it is rotated to produce a noise. // Holding the object’s handle, the scarer’s rattle would have been spun, allowing the thin strip of wood to vibrate again to cog-like mechanism inside, this creating the rattling noise that would scare bird and other scavengers away from the growing crops. Crow scarer’s were most often young boys who would go into the field, spinning the rattle in order to startle any birds who wished to disturb recently sown seeds, new shoots, or the growing crops. This practice could be found throughout the British countryside throughout the 19th century. It was a lonely and often cold job, and workers were poorly paid. // It is unknown who made this particular rattle, but it was bought by the donor from Shelton, Steep Hill, Lincoln. It is likely that it was professionally made More simple styles of bird scarer may have been made by farmers, or local craftspeople. // In modern farming, a number of methods are used to stop birds ransacking crops. Scarecrows are a traditional method that still have their place within contemporary farming. Other methods include visual and noise-based deterrents, such as lasers, model birds of prey, and ‘Banger Ropes’. For centuries, farmers have hung dead crows from fence posts in their fields as many birds will perceive there to be danger and therefore leave. Today, as the killing of birds is a rather cruel method to use, fake models of dead birds are available, harnessing a centuries-old technique that has proven effective within agriculture. // There are a large number of items in the Museum’s collection that have, historically, been used to scare birds away from agricultural crops. Clapper-style bird scarers include three pieces of wood, the one in the middle being attached to the handle, with the other two on either side being movable, creating a clapping sound when waved. Part of the H.J. Massingham founding collection at the MERL, the donor said that boys were employed for 'crow-starving' when corn was planted and when it was 'in the ear'. // Through technological innovation, new forms of equipment were used in the management of crops and the prevention of bird-related damage. Alarm guns such as MERL object 65/71, used on Priors Farm, Essex, would have created a loud and persistent noise, scaring birds and any other animals that threatened to eat and destroy crops.'
Object name
Material
Associated subject
