In spring and winter, people try to help birds - they build feeders, rescue chicks and protect them in every possible way. But when summer comes, the birds turn into real parasites. They fly in whole flocks to household plots to feast on strawberries, currants, cherries, sweet cherries, honeysuckle and other berry crops. In just a few hours, one small flock of birds can destroy the harvest of an entire tree. How to protect yourself from feathered guests without harming them?
Cover with mesh
The most effective way is to throw a fine mesh. It should have cells whose diameter is smaller than the head of a starling and sparrow, so that the birds do not get confused and die. The net should not just be thrown over, but tied at the base of a tree or bush, thereby creating an obstacle for winged thieves to get to the berries. At the same time, do not forget to remove the nets after harvesting, as they prevent birds from nesting and also prevent them from collecting pests from trees and bushes.
White color
Scientists have found that all birds are afraid of the color white, so stretching white sheets around the perimeter of the area can be an effective way to scare them away from the berry harvest. Hanging white ribbons or pieces of fabric on the branches of fruit trees and shrubs, or laying them out along beds with berry plants can also help.
Predator imitation
Kites in the form of birds of prey will certainly scare away sparrows, starlings, thrushes and other small lovers of eating ripe berries. This is a fairly simple and safe way to protect your harvest from uninvited guests.
Foil or other rustling tape
It is known that birds are scared away by rustling and shine, so you can decorate your site with ribbons made of shiny foil. An alternative option is to hang old disks around the trees. Birds will be scared away by such decorations, and they will avoid visiting such areas. But it is worth understanding that this method will only protect against birds for a while, since over time they will understand that ribbons and disks do not pose any danger to them.
Placing drinkers
Often birds peck berries to quench their thirst, not hunger. Therefore, you can install small drinking bowls with clean water near trees or directly on the branches, thereby providing an alternative for birds. The effectiveness of this method can be increased by using drip irrigation, which produces the sound of pouring water.
Radio on the site
One of the effective ways to scare away birds is a loud radio installed on the site. But before using this method of fighting feathered thieves, you need to make sure that your neighbors will not be against a constantly playing radio.
Using repellents
Perhaps the most reliable and effective way to protect against birds is to use repellents. The principle of action of repellents is based on the emission of an unpleasant odor for birds. Just one procedure of treating the site with repellents will allow you to get rid of uninvited guests for a long time without harming them.
Regardless of the chosen method of scaring away birds, it is necessary to remember that under no circumstances should any harm be caused to the birds. The methods listed above help to safely scare birds away from ripe berries.
