Magpies

[davidk65]

Without causing any harm to these birds, what can I do to stop magpies damaging my property.
These beautiful looking birds seem to have a destructive nature and are slowly damaging my conservatory. They have slowly ripped the lead flashing from the roof and although I cannot see them I can hear them banging away at the main roof.
Any suggestions.

[boxtops]

Get a cat..... Or bird scarers, flapper things, or hang old CDs in strategic places where they will blow and catch the light. Magpies are very persistent - I wonder if they are taking the flashing because it's just that, flashy, they love shiny objects. Could you paint the flashing in a matt covering?

[jomifl]

I've not heard of magpies doing this but I know that grey squirrels do. Zinc flashing is too hard for either creature to damage and is less toxic.