Blackbirds can certainly become a nuisance in the home garden. If it is happening in your established lawn, the birds will probably be searching for food, and your lawn harbours many a tasty treat - from worms to possibly grass grubs. If it is a new lawn, then the blackbirds would be attracted to seed and sprouting grass.

You need to "train" the birds that your lawn is not a pleasant place to visit. To do this you can try a few things.

Install some bird netting, raised about 20 centimetres above the lawn, and attach it to a wooden framework to keep it solidly in position. You could also try reflective tape. String it across your lawn on support structures or from your fence to your house (or wherever you can attach it). Tension it so that it can still move in the wind - the movement and reflection will bother the birds. Be sure it is high enough so you can still mow under it. We have also heard of automatic/sensor water sprays that shoot out water when motion is detected.

If you have a cat, or a neighbouring cat that can be 'hired', they may also help in deterring the blackbirds.