My mother used to string lengths of black thread across the lawn to make it difficult for birds to land. But it was only a little lawn...

Hello Bathgate, i have always used plastic netting which I stretch over the seeded area with pegs, I put the netting about four inches above the seed, the netting is the finer type, i then peg all the sides down on all the edges to stop the birds going under it, always works well.

I agree with both methods suggested, old cds threaded so they spin in the wind is also a good bird scarer. I know in the UK the recommendation for sowing seed is 'one for the soil, 1 to fail and 1 for the birds'.

But as you say that works out quite expensive. Will your soil still be warm enough after Zeta came through

Thanks all. The netting worked like a dream. Now that the grass has sprouted, the birds don't want it anymore so it's safe. Did you check out my praying mantis picture? - creepy yet interesting!

Excellent! Yes I enjoyed the Mantis photo - amazing little creatures!