In the Garden
by Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont
How to Protect Your Fruit Trees from Birds
If you are growing small fruits such as various berries, or fruit trees with small fruits like cherries, you may need to consider some form of protection against birds eating them.
If your goal is to feed wildlife, then this is not a problem. Or, if you have a large planting, there may be plenty for both birds and humans. Consider planting some fruits that birds love, such as shadbush (also known as serviceberry or June berry as that is when it fruits), and protect others such as blueberries for yourself. My wife and I originally hoped to have a few June berries but have given these large shrubs up to the birds and focused on other fruiting bushes now instead. June berries attract all types of birds, including less
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commonly seen ones and other wildlife such as chipmunks. They’ll eat the June berries even when they are half-ripe. Blueberries are a favorite food of many birds. Most often seen feeding on them in our region are robins, followed by blue jays. The latter also may peck at peaches, pears and apples, as will crows. If so, leave these fruit for them to peck so you’ll get some whole fruit to eat. Strawberries are especially at risk if cedar waxwings are nearby or wild turkeys. The latter also are attracted to fruit drops. Cherries are best protected by netting and are usually fed on by cedar waxwings, starlings, crows, and blackbirds. Grapes — dark fruit more than green — commonly are fed on by robins, starlings, and crows. Few, if any, birds feed on raspberries.
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