An apparatus and method for deterring birds and other animals from an area to be protected, such as, for example, a cell or communications tower. An effigy of the species to be deterred is suspended from an upper suspending structure and a lower suspending structure. The effigy may be molded or otherwise produced from rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. The effigy may contain an internal supporting structure attached to a first cable and a second cable for suspending from the suspending structures. Either of the cables, or both, may comprise a tensioning means.