Why are House Sparrows averse to halos and lines?

From page 9 of the U oof Neb Study (pdf)

The #1 question everyone asks is "how does the Magic Halo work?" The closest analogy is human's fear of heights. For example, on the roof of a skyscraper, few people would venture to the very edge minus a strong desperation for something. There will always be a few that will, regardless, even with bravado.

According to page 9 in the paper Monofilament Lines and a Hoop Device for Bird Management at Backyard Feeders (PDF) from the University of Nebraska, House Sparrows (HOSP) are unique in their aversion to hoops and lines (i.e. halo devices) given an unusual risk assessment.

2023 is our 5th year of hand-building and selling a custom 20" version of the Magic Halo, designed for hanging feeders and within the radius of the standard 1/2" shepherd hook. Though not HOSP-proof, it has proven very successful. In that time, our own study and survey data match that of the UNB paper, at about 85% effective overall.

The successful Halo user knows and understands the following:

• Halos and lines are HOSP-resistant, and as such, may not eliminate all HOSP from feeders.
• To achieve high efficacy, other HOSP deterrents may become necessary.
• Efficacy may vary throughout the year, lowest coming in Summer.
• Is prepared to remove and "reset" feeding & halo systems if necessary.

A complete guide to best possible Halo success is found on our website HERE. Our final 2022 survey results are below. You may request customer feedback in pdf at: admin@magichalo.org.

2021 Magic Halo Survey, Final Results

As expected, about 85% of customers report that the Magic Halo is helping reduce or even eliminate House Sparrows (HOSP) at their feeder. This appears commensurate with Sialis' estimate of a 88-94% deterrence rate in Winter and 84% in Summer. To help disrupt juvenile adaptation, we recommend feeding only in Fall-Winter-Spring. See our most recent post on optimizing your Halo experience, based on our own and customer inputs.

If you haven't already, please take our all-new 2022 survey, just 3 questions. It is important that we keep a pulse on our customer's results in using this device. Thank you so much everyone!

Mainly positive survey results into mid-Spring

Our ZoHo Magic Halo Survey results appear to be strong, or about 85% of customers report that the halo is helping reduce or even eliminate House Sparrows (HOSP) at their feeder. This appears commensurate with Sialis' estimate of a 88-94% deterrence rate in Winter and 84% in Summer.

For those of you that don't already know, Survey Monkey grew intolerant of us "freeloading" (using the free version for years) and forced us to switch platforms as of February. If you were among dozens of customers who took the Survey in early 2021, and haven't already re-taken it, we hope that you will HERE. It is only 3 easy multiple choice questions with a comments section.

If you are among ~15% reporting poor or failed results, you can email us (include a photo of your feeder and halo, if possible) for troubleshooting measures that we hope will turn things around for you. Please be sure to read our User Guide first. admin@magichalo.org

As always, thank you so much!  --Admin

PLEASE READ: Magic Halo 2021 Efficacy Survey 2.0

Please take or retake the Magic Halo Efficacy Survey for 2021 (2.0), by Zoho

Survey Monkey stripped features from our 2021 survey to the point it was dysfunctional and useless. First, they made the comments field a paid feature, which we needed for feedback and testimonials. Their latest move was to cut our number of visible survey results to 40, after we reached 48 and were hoping for 50. This is less than half of what was allowed for unpaid accounts. In a "nutshell", they want us to pay $33/month to run a single survey for an entire year, that has little chance of seeing 100+ participants anytime soon.

That said, we switched to ZoHo, a refreshing new platform that, unlike Survey Monkey, won't put the squeeze on us over the longer term. Simply said, we're not paying $300+/yr for what amounts to very little usage.

We would sincerely appreciate your participation (or re-participation if you already completed the 2021 Survey Monkey survey, even recently) which has been deleted with data unavailable. We lowered it to 2 Questions and an optional comments box, which can be used for feedback or a testimonial. We basically need to replace what was lost, with your help. Click HERE to access the new survey, with only seconds of your time required..

We thank you so much and appreciate your understanding!

--Frankie (Admin, MagicHalo.org).

Early 2021 Efficacy Survey Results: Analysis

Our 2021 Magic Halo Efficacy Survey has just arrived, and the results are flowing in. If you haven't already, please click HERE to participate. It's only 3 multiple choice questions, and 100% safe and secure.

If you have already participated, and are among ~25% reporting poor or failed results, feel free to email us (include a photo of your feeder and halo, if possible) anytime for troubleshooting measures that we hope will turn things around for you: admin@magichalo.org. Please take note of the following:

• If you bought your Halo before Sept 2019, the model "Classic" was only offered with 30" hanging wires in a 4 line config. This was ample length for most ordinary tube and hopper feeders, but the weighted ends fell about even or slightly above the feeding ports on jumbo tubes (e.g. Yankee Flipper, Brome Squirrelbuster Plus, etc). If this is you, we offer free wire extenders to anyone who requests them from before that time period. Email us at: admin@magichalo.org
  
• Consider adding additional hanging wires. Some of our customers report this as making the difference. If it is juvenile House Sparrows (HOSP), it may not make much difference, however, given their immunity to halos and lines-type devices in the first place. It's a matter of experimentation. If you are planning to add your own additional wires as a test, just ensure you add makeshift weights on the ends to tension them.
  
• Among those reporting poor results, all but one feed year-round. The evidence suggests that HOSP deterrence is highest when the Halo is installed in the Autumn with continued feeding through Winter and mid-Spring. Feeding through the Summer may see Juveniles appear at your feeder, followed by continued immunity with adult adaptation into Winter and beyond. After 4 straight years at 100% deterrence, we fed through the Summer for the first time in 2020 and are having this problem now. We plan to "reset" our feeders by returning to a Fall-Winter-Spring schedule in 2021, and see if we return to 100% HOSP deterrence as in years past.
  
• It seems to be the case that the presence of the Halo and its hanging wires does incite anxiety and nervousness in HOSP, and their visits shorter as a result. You may consider removing your Halo for a few weeks, and observe behavior in order to demonstrate any differences in this regard, and their numbers overall. 
• Seed type and feeder design does not appear to make a difference so far. Husk seeds such as black oil sunflower or safflower still attract HOSP to feeders, where they may decide it's too much work to crack seeds. Because of this, they may move on elsewhere -- making this an effective deterrent in itself.
  
• If you are one of those that saw Halo deterrence rates start to drop in the Summer with continued HOSP presence into Winter, consider taking down your feeder(s) by late Spring and reinstall come Oct or Nov. This may have the effect of "resetting" your system, with Juvenile HOSP having moved elsewhere, e.g. neighbor's feeders or other food sources in the region.
  
• If you are on Facebook, consider joining one or both of these groups, which include lively discussions about HOSP and the use of Halos and similar means to control them: Birdhouses, Bird Feeders & Garden Designs for Native Species | House Sparrow Control
  

Our 2021 survey results are following a similar trajectory as years past, that at least 3/4 of users are seeing some level of positive results. We would love for this percentage to be higher so again, if you want us to try and help, email your questions and include a photo of your feeding station setup for analysis: admin@magichalo.org. Thank you so much! --Admin, Magic Halo

2021 Magic Halo Efficacy Survey Has Arrived!

Our 2021 Magic Halo Efficacy Survey has arrived. Please click HERE. It's only 3 multiple choice questions, and 100% safe and secure.

Even if you just took the 2020 survey, we ask that you please take this one too, and anytime a new one is presented. This is your chance to record your results, positive or negative. You can also let us know if you have stopped using your Halo for any reason.

 Halo efficacy can vary over time. Like FeederWatch, your data helps determine how best to market the Magic Halo -- which in the long run helps wildlife conservation.

Before you begin, please be sure of what you are seeing, that you can fully identify House Sparrows (HOSP). Do the best you can to compare before vs after, with vs without using the Magic Halo.

Try not to count juvenile HOSP, which are immune to Halos and other lines and wire devices. These can be difficult to discern from adults as the Summer goes on, if you feed year-round.

Visit our website for articles, mods and additional products that may help you to improve Halo performance.

For all issues and inquiries, please contact us at: admin@magichalo.org. Thank you so much!

2020 Survey Contest Winner Announced!

Ray Denenberg of Silver Springs Maryland wins a Magic Halo Regal from MagicHalo.org. Winner was drawn from a pool of customers that participated in our 2020 results survey. Congratulations, Ray!

Latest Testimonials and Feedback, 2020

The reason we strive for results and input is to know our product is a success, but also to have this available for potential buyers -- those considering the purchase of a Magic Halo.

Here is what we collected from our 2020 Survey comments, along with our latest testimonials. We did not include names for privacy reasons. Overall, the results are very positive, considering that House Sparrows (HOSP) are one of -- if not THE most adaptable bird in the world and can learn to overcome almost anything.

We thank all of you, the approx 15% of our customers who participated in the survey.

________________________________________

The Halo absolutely has improved the situation. We previously had gangs of HOSP then after the first halo, zero. Recently (May/June) I returned to a mixed feed to attract a wider range of birds and we have seen HOSP pairs breach the halo. You definitely need to pay attention to both seed choice and halo configuration. Together you can definitely reduce HOSPs.

I purchased the Deluxe version with two additional wires since I had a very bad infestation. I tried it first without the additional wires and some were bypassing. When I added the additional wires, they quit attempting to access the feeder.

I’m very pleased you decided to manufacture this product!!!

The halo eliminated house sparrows off my hanging tube feeder/squirrel proof cage (weight triggered). It also cut down on the sparrows which come to all my feeders. Feeders are in a patio area of 15'x20'. Also stopped grackles and starlings from getting on the feeder. and RWBD still get on but don't stay long. Woodpeckers and Chickadees still come in full force. Halo is a big success!

I do think they are reduced overall. Initially they were greatly reduced but over time, they have figured it out.

I just wanted to let you know how much we love and appreciate the Magic Halo we purchased from you about a year ago. We live in Washington, DC, and I truly thought we were going to have to give up our bird feeders because they were just mobbed by house sparrows all the time and it was so depressing knowing we were feeding them. My husband had basically given up on having bird feeders until I ordered a Magic Halo and I truly cannot believe how well it works. I have never seen a single house sparrow on our feeder, while all the other birds flit happily past the wires. It may be the single most impressive product I have ever bought. Thank you SO MUCH for coming up with this amazing invention.

I must have had 20-30 HOSP per day; filled the bird feeder 3 times each day......found out how stupid I was when I read up on what they do! Now I will see 1 HOSP per every few days or longer. It has made life so much better!!

Works great! Have bought two and they both repel >90% of HOSP. Keep it up!

Although it has very effectively repelled all house sparrows, we are also seeing very few native birds, despite their presence elsewhere in our neighborhood. We're not sure yet if that's the halo, the type of seed, other features of the feeder, etc., so we're going to give it some more time and experiment. We're currently missing the House Sparrows a little because there are no birds to watch!

The product has worked great. Our feed is lasting much longer. Yes you can enter me in the drawing. Thank You!

Magic Halo is a great product and it has held up well through the seasons. The Starling and Squirrel mafias have gotten used to it however and it has gradually become less effective. Still, I am happy to have had it and I think it continues to make some difference.

I was being wiped out by Sparrows. They emptied my large bird feeder daily and shut out other birds from feeding. Since I put in the halo, the Sparrows have disappeared and our native birds are back. Now, if I could only get rid of that rogue squirrel......

The Magic Halo paid for itself in a very short amount of time. I don't have to fill the feeder nearly as often and the other birds have returned.

Wanted to let you know that I'm very happy with our Magic Halo purchase. I've attached a video showing it deterring a house sparrow while a finch dines at the feeder. I have a blog and wrote about it here: https://projectpalermo.com/2020/06/14/orc-week-6-cursing-the-queen-and-hailing-the-halo/

I used it over a bluebird house as sparrow kept moving in. It worked! However, the bluebirds haven't moved in...yet. It might be too early as they haven't moved in to their favorite house location either. BUT the sparrows have been deterred from the one Halo I own.

This was immediately 100% effective. Not one house sparrow has used my main feeder in the 2 weeks since I've been using this. I have gone from having 15-20 house sparrows in my backyard to 3 or 4 (they use my other feeders that don't have halos). This purchase was a last resort for me. Other methods, like switching to safflower, and using cling style feeders, had been ineffective. I'm undecided on whether I would purchase halos for my other feeders, as the house sparrows are down to a reasonable number now, and the halo is a bit unsightly. Maybe one day you could make a slightly more attractive model. Maybe something other than nuts could be used to weigh down the wires. Just an idea. I am overall very happy with the product.

The Magic Halo has been 100% effective in keeping HOSPs off my thistle feeder. Goldfinches, House Finches, Siskins, and Juncos still come to the feeder, but the English Sparrows completely stay away.

It is more than a year now since I attached the Magic Halo to my thistle feeder. I have not had one HOSP on the feeder. Not one, even though there can be as many as 30 on the platform feeder not 20 yards away.

I have two of the halos, when I bought them, the only place I could find them was on eBay. I have five feeders, two halos, so the HOSP still can get to three feeders. Those three feeders are on a Shepherd's hook in the yard. The Halo doesn't fit on it. I would love to see one modified to fit the Shepherd's hook, I could get rid of all the HOSP.

It has worked far better than I had anticipated it would. Totally eliminated my Sparrow problem.

I have noticed a slight dip in all birds to the feeder, but a significant drop in house sparrows. Over all I was happy with my purchase.

Magic Halo Newsletter, Late Spring 2020

Web version HERE. Don't forget to enter to win a FREE Magic Halo Regal! Also in this edition, some interesting reading on the effects of wires in repelling birds.

Magic Halo Newsletter, Spring 2020!

Web version HERE.

Magic Halo Newsletter, Winter 2020

Web version HERE. Lots of tips and updates in this edition, folks, so be sure to check it out. Customers who take our results survey can enter for a chance to win a Magic Halo Regal LTD!

Magic Halo 2020 Survey

Our quest for Magic Halo results data continues for 2020 with a brief 5 QUESTION SURVEY. Past surveys have indicated that it does indeed help in deterring House Sparrows (HOSP) from bird feeders. With only about 15% participating, about 80% report 80-100% of HOSP deflected. The results can vary depending on where you live, level of infestation, abundance of nesting sites (juvenile count) and time of year.

Juveniles are usually immune to the Halo's presence, and HOSP can have multiple broods through August each year, Before participating, please read our updated Magic Halo Users Guide to ensure that yours is optimally configured. If you have any questions regarding HOSP identity, please read Sialis' Other Brown Birds. Your input is critical to the future of the Magic Halo as a viable sale item, or how we market it. Therefore, we must continue to collect data on its performance. We can't thank you enough!

Visit FeederWatch.org for a complete description and details about using halos with bird feeders.

Flashback: Bird-X "Sparrow-Free Magic Halo" (defunct)

Before we began building and selling feeder halos at MagicHalo.org, there was at least one commercial version offered by a company called "Bird-X". It was 30" in diameter, required assembly of numerous pieces, and used string instead of steel hanging wires. It was marketed as adaptable to both hanging and pole-mounted bird feeders. The 30" design meant that the halo "hoop" had to be opened and brought over and around the shepherds hook, making it more cumbersome than our 20" that fits easily and neatly within.

The original Bird-X ad is still on Amazon, listed as "unavailable", but does not come up in a search. Buyer reviews are mixed, with roughly equal ratings across 5 stars, with the final average of 3 stars. Most 1-2 star reviews say that the halo just didn't work, or stopped working after a week or so, and/or it was cumbersome and difficult to assemble. As expected, 4-5 star reviews say that the product is excellent, and that most or all House Sparrows (HOSP) have been eliminated from their feeder(s).

Assuming the 1-2 star folks did assemble and install this halo correctly, and used the hanging wires (in this case string), one would expect at least some HOSP deterrence, so what was really going on here? That we will never know, and can only ponder how such an opposite pattern of behavior can occur within the same species. (NOTE: One thing we do know; if you're building your own halo, or adding hanging wires to your existing halo, do NOT use string as it invites tangling and injury of birds coming in contact. Steel wire in the 24-gauge (AWG) range resists this potential problem).

Two big problems for Bird-X was the complicated assembly and using "sparrow-free" in their marketing strategy. It produced the highest of expectations, thus setting up many customers (and themselves) for disappointment. For a product like the magic halo, where birds are hardly predictable and are known to vary their habits region to region, such an absolutist approach just wasn't going to work.

Magic Halo "Deluxe" with 6 hanging wires

Therefore, at MagicHalo.org, we took a different approach: build and offer a halo version that's readily assembled, has modest expectations, and includes a juvenile disclaimer (juvenile HOSP are generally immune to halos). Expectations are based on our own survey results indicating that overall, most users experience 80-100% adult HOSP deterrence, or at the very least, that native birds are provided a fairer chance. Since Jan 2018, using this approach, we have sold almost 220 magic halos with what appears widespread customer satisfaction.

In order for us to continue learning about HOSP and halo effectiveness, we need buyer feedback. If you are a MagicHalo.org customer and have not yet taken our efficacy survey, please visit out Support page for the latest link. Only with your feedback can we accurately describe and market halos to bird feeding enthusiasts. We also remind everyone that we offer enhancements for both our Classic and Deluxe model halos that can help you adjust and/or improve its performance. These include adding additional hanging wires, or lengthening your existing wires.

Note: All new halo buyers are now offered the option of 38" (over 32") length hanging wires to ensure the weights fall below the plain of the feeding ports found near the bottom of jumbo-sized tube feeders. To that end, we sincerely ask for your feedback if you are the user of a Brome, Droll Yankees or other jumbo-size tube feeder with the standard 32". You can take the survey and leave it in the comments field, or email us at: admin@magichalo.org. Thank you so much.