Do Birds Eat Berries?
The mere presence of birds in the area does not mean those birds are actively eating berries.
Before taking action, verify you are actually witnessing the birds eating your fruit.
Robert Muckley/Getty Images
Here are a few of the best.
For low crops such asstrawberries, floating row cover frames can support netting to shield the berries from birds.
Taller berry bushes can be protected by pop-up screens sold by garden supply retailers.
The Spruce / Alandra Chavarria
The Spruce / Alandra Chavarria
Pick Berries Early
Pick berries before the birds get to them.
Note that not all berries will continue to ripen after being picked, like strawberries.
Flash Tape
Apply flash tape as another inexpensive option.
The Spruce / Alandra Chavarria
Strips of Mylar or foil tape that flutter in the breeze, scaring the birds off.
Scarecrows can also add a certain sense of whimsy to a garden.
Birdbath
Keep abirdbathnearby.
The Spruce / Alandra Chavarria
The high water content in berries makes them an ideal target for thirsty birds.
By having a birdbath close you give them what they want and they leave your berries alone.
The idea is to give birds their own food so they’ll leave yours alone.
see to it it’ssquirrel-proof.
As with the bird bath idea, inviting birds to the garden can help you controlinsect pests.
Note that having a radio on all day can get annoying for you and your neighbors.
Which Birds Eat Berries?
Some birds are primarily insect eaters and aren’t interested in your berries.
Other species prefer to feast on berries.
Just keep in mind that they may come back, wanting more.
Yes, squirrels will eat strawberries.
They are often a favorite fruit of squirrels.
