Birds

Gardeners usually see birds as friends rather than foes, because they can be so important in helping to control harmful insects. But birds can become problems, especially when it comes to young, tender shoots of plants like beans and peas, not to mention fruits and berries. Crows will pull on young corn plants and later eat the ears of corn as they ripen

How do protect your plants from birds.

Generally, birds are more of a problem to fruiting trees and vines than to landscape plants; in addition, some bird species are more damaging than others. Some of the most common depredators of dormant buds and ripening fruit include sparrows, finches, robins, jays, crows, starlings, and magpies.

The most commonly-used bird deterrent is bird netting, but it can be cumbersome to cove large trees. It also can be a very large task if you have a large orchard or garden.

Many people use specially-designed reflectors, Mylar "scare tape," fake owls or scarecrows, and motion-activated sprinklers, but birds can become accustomed to these objects and learn how to ignore them. Generally, it's best to put these types of deterrents out just before your plants reach the stage of vulnerability, and remove them once the plants have finished their production cycle. For small seedlings and vegetables, row covers can be helpful, as long as you're careful to secure them to the ground so birds can't get underneath. Some commercial growers also use noise deterrents such as repellers that broadcast natural predator sounds, bird distress cries, and different frequencies of ultrasonic waves, often coupled with strobe lights. Lasers, balloons, kites resembling predatory birds such as hawks, and even cannons are used, to greater or lesser effects.

Another solution is to plant alternative good sources like elderberries or fruiting mulberries, located away from your garden to encourage these winged marauders to dine on them instead of your fruits and vegetables. Or, you can do what many gardners do: simply plant enough for yourself and the birds!