What did people use or do to guard the fields before the scarecrow was invented?

Before the invention of scarecrows, people used various methods to guard their fields from birds and other pests. Some common techniques included using noise-making devices like bells or whistles, setting up reflective objects such as mirrors or aluminum foil, and even employing trained predators like falcons or hawks to deter unwanted animals. Additionally, planting certain crops around the perimeter of the field that repel pests naturally was another strategy used to protect crops before scarecrows were introduced.