I also learned the hard way that your being in the yard with them doesn't deter a hungry hawk. That's why I'm dubious that anyone's scarecrow would be effective.
I love this site so much! I pretty much read every post, article, etc for the last month. I got my first two chicks two weeks ago (2 buff orpingtons) and they are doing marvelous. My husband is hard at work building them an amazing (and huge) coop by converting our unused backyard shed...