It was near an entrance to an outdoor cafe, I guessed it was to prevent squirrels from running above the tables.
To Utilities: Squirrels will run along utility power wires and cables, and can short out the transformers.
+1 on the "Wind vibration dampener" answer. I ain't a headscarf and it sure don't prevent the squirrels from running on the messenger cable. Nor will it keep the intrusive RF waves out if you wear it on your head.