Keeping birds out of the anchor locker

LaRea

Does anybody have a clever suggestion for keeping birds out of the anchor locker?

I go through this every Spring with the starlings in our marina.  They get in and build a nest.  I ruthlessly toss it out, and I stuff some plastic water bottles in around the anchor to keep them out.  Then I use the anchor, and forget to put the bottles back, and the cycle begins again.  

The alternative is to leave the lid open, and just accept the fact that I look like The Idiot Who Can't Remember to Close His Anchor Locker.

Who has a better idea?  There are two other Rinkers near me with the same problem.

Dan4754

A fake owl keeps birds away from our yard. Not sure how one would look mounted on your boat.

checkmate

Instead of putting a owl just by a flag owl to hang for your flag post.  Lol....guess it wouldn't work on calm days though

Dream_Inn

I've noticed my burgee seems to keep them away.  At least I think that because my neighbor that doesn't have it, always gets the birds.  There is someone in my marina that also has the plastic owl that he uses a fender holder on the rail at the front.  He does it every year (so it must work, right?).  heck, the thing is faded but it still goes out there.

Stodge

Why is your anchor locker open so often?  I only open mine when I have an problem raising or lowering the anchor.

LaRea

Ya know, the owl might not be a bad idea.  I only need it for April-May.  After that, the birds lose interest in nesting.  I have a burgee, but it doesn't bother these birds.  

raybo3

I believe its the eyes on the owl that keeps the birds away. 

Dan4754

Yes ray, I think that is it....the "shiny-ness" of the eyes.

I used to string compact discs across the back yard and it worked great.
Unfortunately, made it look like a dump.

Cableguy Greg

Could you stuff a small towel in the hole to keep them from nesting? You would have to remember it when you wanted to use the anchor, but it may work for that month that they are nesting.

LaRea

I've used towels and plastic bottles, but it's a hassle putting them in and taking them out.  (I know, I know ... first-world problems, right?)

Maybe I should try something similar to these bird spikes:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bird-X-10-ft-Stainless-Steel-Bird-Spikes-Kit-STS-10-R/100670390

explore7425

You might be on to something with the flag. I used to get birds in mine before I put flags on my bow. I figured they just stopped coming but the flags might have scared them off.