How do you keep birds from nesting in your anchor locker?

LaRea

It's that time of year.  Birds want to make a home inside your anchor locker.  Next thing you know, you're tossing a nest full of eggs into the water, or worse if you wait too long.

Who has a good way to keep them out?  

I just leave my anchor locker open until June 1st.  Others stuff a rag into the opening.  I've tried that too, along with plastic drink bottles and other stuff.  These methods work, but it's a hassle.  Is there a better way?

Black_Diamond

Be nifty to machine or 3-D print a custom plastic plug to drop in until nesting time is over. Those fellas set up shop quick by me to nest up. Around here they mostly by ‘accident’ end up in the water. 😬

Dream_Inn

Have a dock neighbor that has a more interesting boat for a home.   The 310 directly across from me always gets the birds nesting.  They also get all the crap.  Kind of strange.

Willhound

Wow! Never realized this was a problem. Of course, maybe it's because by the time we usually get our boats unwrapped the birds have already found nesting sites.

LaRea

And yes, I did ask this question five years ago.  Didn't get a real answer then, and I'm hoping for better this time!

Maybe something with bird tape ... that flappy reflective foil, normally used to scare woodpeckers.  Anybody tried it?

Ian

They say dryer sheets help with bugs, tried it for the birds?

mattie

Maybe just wad up some chicken wire on each side?

PickleRick

Have you tried putting rubber realistic snakes around your pulpit?    Or a realistic owl on a post around your dock.  

LaRea

An owl might work, but there's no good place to mount it.  

aero3113

If you have an external speaker to use, find out what sound will keep them away.

Dream_Inn

LaRea said:

An owl might work, but there's no good place to mount it.  

I've seen a couple owls in my marina.  Some use fishing line or something with velcro and hang on bow rail.  It seems to work, they say.

YYZRC

Cut the bottom off the owl and slide it over your spotlight. Then for added effect, rotate the spotlight every so often!!

aero3113

YYZRC said:

Cut the bottom off the owl and slide it over your spotlight. Then for added effect, rotate the spotlight every so often!!

LoL!

LaRea

For solutions where I have to remove something before getting underway, it's easier just to leave the anchor locker open.  And it's 100% effective (until I forget).  

YYZRC

I think you could leave the owl in place on the spotlight!  

LaRea

It would also prevent the approach of other beings, including the Admiral.  

YYZRC

I haven't met your Admiral but for some that might be a benefit...

Handymans342

I have to fix everything for you dumb boaters LOL
Google: Bird Spikes. 

LaRea

Bird spikes are your worst suggestion ever!  Metal ones would be dangerous to bare feet.  Plastic would be dangerous plus fragile!  But I still love you.  Try again.  

Handymans342

Try again. They go inside the locker. They are stainless

PickleRick

i keep them for the rodents but they get way more birds unfortunately.

This is little Rick, our newest member.  Goes in for a neuter the moment he reaches 8 weeks old.  

Right now he kills june bugs, bees and moths.

LaRea

Yup, that would do it!

davidbrooks

Had to toss out another nest. Two weeks after the last one. It isnt pretty but we will see how it works. I made it out of 1/4 starboard.

Ian

Good idea.

TonyG13

Pretty ingenious solution.

aero3113

Looks like it should work, just remember to remove it before you drop anchor!

davidbrooks

Yep. Thought about that. I know i am gonna Forget so i held on to the cardboard i used as a template. 

TonyG13

davidbrooks said:

Yep. Thought about that. I know i am gonna Forget so i held on to the cardboard i used as a template. 

What about a thin cable leash. Just drop it in the well when you're using the windlass. Shouldn't get in the way. But you would need to put a screw in the hull.

LaRea

Well, that will definitely keep the birds out!  But I'm not sure it meets the hands-off requirement ...

Ian

I never just se the windlass to secure the anchor, up or down so if you do, thats a no no according to Lewmar. But if you are concerned about breaking it off, make checking it is open and closed as part of your start up and shutdown checks.

Willhound

I wonder if you could make something more permanent out of a heavy rubber material like Linatex or some such like a flap with a hole just large enough for the rode.