Whitehall Products Flying Witch Garden Weathervane, Black

A witch silhouette riding a broom isn’t the most common way to track wind, but it’s become my favorite one on the property. I installed the Flying Witch weathervane over a garden bed to keep an eye on breeze shifts and to add a bit of character above the perennials. After a season of use through sun, rain, and a few blustery weekends, here’s how it fared.

Design and build

The weathervane is a metal silhouette finished in matte black. It’s not flimsy sheet metal; the profile has some thickness and a reassuring heft that keeps it from flexing in gusts. The witch shape reads clearly against the sky and stays legible from a good distance, which is exactly what you want from a silhouette piece. At roughly 24 inches long with a comparable span to the directional arrow, it’s large enough to make a statement without overwhelming a modest roofline or garden space. The listed dimensions (24 x 24 x 13.5 inches) align with my experience: think two feet across for the vane and a total assembly height that sits comfortably above a low fence or deck rail when using the included mast sections.

The finish is an even, weather‑resistant black that serves two purposes: it protects the metal and it enhances contrast. Against a pale sky or evening light, the shape pops nicely. I’ve seen some weathervanes go glossy or patchy after a few weeks outdoors; this one stayed consistently matte and has not picked up chalking or flaking so far.

What’s in the box

My unit arrived with:
- The witch vane and directional arrow assembly
- N/E/S/W directionals
- A multi‑section pole (three pieces) with couplers
- A basic ground/deck mounting setup and hardware
- Assembly instructions

If you’re planning a roof ridge install, note that a dedicated roof bracket isn’t in the kit. For roof or gable mounting, you’ll want to pick up a compatible bracket that matches the mast diameter. For gardens, planters, and deck rails, the included pieces are sufficient.

Setup and installation

Assembly is straightforward and took me around 25 minutes at a comfortable pace. The directions are clear, and the parts fit without forcing. My tips:

• Dry-fit everything first. The directionals have set screws that are easy to over‑tighten if you rush.
• Get the mast truly plumb. If the pole isn’t vertical, the vane won’t balance correctly and may bind.
• Use a smartphone compass to align N/E/S/W after you’ve set the mast. Tighten the set screws evenly.
• A small dab of thread locker on the directional set screws helps if you live in a windy spot.

For a garden install, I used the full three-piece pole and set the base into a small concrete footing inside a planter box. On a deck, two sections were plenty to clear the rail and keep the silhouette visible from the yard. On a roof, I’d recommend a ridge bracket and stainless lag screws into solid framing, plus a bead of exterior sealant under the bracket to keep water out.

Performance in the wind

The vane rotates freely and tracks even light breezes. On calm days, it settles and stays oriented without twitching. In moderate winds (15–20 mph), it turns smoothly without chatter, which speaks to decent balancing and a low‑friction pivot. I did notice a slight rattle once during a gusty storm when the directionals vibrated against the mast; a quarter‑turn tighter on the set screws solved it.

As for accuracy, once the directionals are aligned to true north (not magnetic), it points where it should. If you care about precision, calibrate with your phone’s offset for magnetic declination or use a map/compass combo. For casual use—i.e., “where’s the wind coming from right now?”—it’s more than accurate enough.

Durability and weather resistance

After a season outdoors, the finish still looks new. No rust at fastener points, no bubbling at edges, and no fading. The pivot hasn’t squeaked or bound, and I haven’t had to lubricate anything. I give it a quick wipe now and then to remove dust and pollen, and I checked fasteners once mid‑season. Everything stayed tight.

Long term, I’d expect the black finish to hold up well if you:
- Keep fasteners snug and check them at the start and end of the season
- Touch up any deep scratches with a rust‑inhibiting black enamel
- Avoid over‑oiling the pivot (oil attracts grit; a dry PTFE spray once a year is plenty if needed)

If you’re coastal with salt spray, rinsing it occasionally will extend the life of the finish.

Aesthetics and fit

The witch silhouette is playful without being kitschy. It reads seasonal around Halloween, sure, but it didn’t look out of place in spring and summer above my herb beds. The neutral black helps it blend with different exteriors—painted siding, brick, or a cedar fence—and the clean lines look intentional rather than novelty.

Because the silhouette is two-dimensional, it presents minimal visual bulk, which keeps it from fighting with other architectural elements. If you prefer more ornate, three-dimensional roosters or ships, this will feel understated by comparison. If you like graphic shapes, it’s right on target.

What could be better

• Roof mounting out of the box: The included hardware works for garden and deck installs, but a roof ridge bracket would make it a complete package for more users. As it stands, plan to buy that piece separately if you’re going up high.
• Orientation marks: Lightly etched marks on the mast for cardinal positions would speed up alignment. Not a dealbreaker, but a nice‑to‑have.
• Optional taller mast: The three-piece pole is fine for ground-level installs. If you want more clearance over tall shrubs without a roof mount, you might find yourself looking for a compatible extension.

Value

There are ultra‑premium weathervanes that cost several times more, often with cast figures and sealed bearings. This piece sits well below that tier yet doesn’t feel compromised. The metal thickness, finish quality, and smooth rotation punch above its price. If you want a sturdier feel than the bargain-bin garden vanes without paying heirloom prices, this hits a sweet spot.

Tips for getting the most out of it

• Pick your sightline: Place the vane where the silhouette breaks against the sky or a light wall for maximum visibility.
• Mind the turbulence: Set it above nearby obstacles (fences, chimneys) by at least a couple of feet to avoid swirly, inaccurate spins.
• True north, not magnetic: Use a map app to find your local declination and align the N marker accordingly.
• Periodic checks: Spring and fall, confirm the mast is plumb and give fasteners a quick snug.

The bottom line

The Flying Witch weathervane blends whimsical design with competent function. It’s well-finished, turns smoothly in light and moderate winds, and feels sturdier than many decorative vanes in its class. Installation is approachable for a DIYer, with the caveat that roof installs will require a separate bracket. After a season outdoors, mine has held its finish and remained quiet and accurate.

Recommendation: I recommend it. It’s a solid, weather‑resistant weathervane with a clear, charming silhouette and dependable performance, offered at a fair price. If you’re after a piece that adds personality without sacrificing function—and you’re comfortable sourcing a roof bracket if that’s your plan—this is an easy yes.