Keep the birds off
Fruit cages are all very well but not many of us have the room – or budget – for one, says Bob
THE BIGGEST threat to our fruit crops is actually the gardeners’ best friend...the birds. They help us no end with all their snail, slug and bug eating. But now, when our fruit is ripening, birds become our arch enemies, even those charming little blue tits, but especially those devilish blackbirds.
Their rapaciousness is incredible, one blackbird will eat dozens of fruits and then come back for more soon after. Putting up a fruit cage is the most effective way to keep birds off but not many of us have enough room for one! If you do have one, make sure it is completely secure because birds soon find any hole, no matter how small.
It’s surprising how well scary things can work too, but only if you move them around daily. I find rubber snakes, giant spiders, any furry children’s toys, fake cats made from old fur coats and hats, and old wigs, all are effective at scaring the birds away.
Leave them in the same place for a day though and the birds lose their fear. Likewise for things that flash and or make a noise. CDs are in use everywhere, silent, and they last well. I understand plastic owls work wonders, as should any fake bird of prey. Agricultural stores actually sell artificial birds of prey that fly all day
“I find fake cats and rubber snakes scare them away”
atop a pole or as kites for use in fields and larger areas.
Another way to reduce bird damage is by ensuring they have clean water safely obtainable in some bath or other, as birds eat fruit much more for the moisture than the calories. Other than a net though, the only way to keep birds from eating your berries is plant a fruiting cherry. ■