When fruit-bearing plants ripen, they attract a variety of wildlife. This natural relationship between birds and berries is a common sight, as birds instinctively seek out these fruits as a food source. The widespread availability of berries makes them a readily accessible part of the avian diet.
Birds That Favor Blueberries
Many bird species commonly found in North America are known to consume blueberries. American Robins are frequent visitors to berry bushes, often observed rapidly consuming multiple berries in quick succession. Cedar Waxwings are another prominent species, often arriving in flocks to feast on berries, reflecting their highly social feeding habits. Bluebirds, thrushes, and Northern Mockingbirds also regularly include blueberries in their diets. Northern Mockingbirds are particularly known for their territorial behavior, sometimes defending berry sources.
Woodpeckers, despite their primary diet of insects, exhibit a preference for sweet fruits like blueberries, especially during colder months. European Starlings and House Finches are also common berry eaters, with starlings capable of consuming large quantities due to their flocking behavior. House Finches tend to peck at berries, while other species, such as robins and waxwings, often consume them whole. Yellow-rumped Warblers are another species that will forage for berries.
Nutritional Value for Feathered Friends
Blueberries offer a range of beneficial nutrients that make them an attractive food source for birds. They are rich in various vitamins, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin A. Vitamin C supports a bird’s immune system and aids in collagen synthesis, which contributes to healthy joints, skin, and eyes. Vitamin K is involved in blood coagulation processes and helps maintain strong bones. Vitamin B6 assists in converting food into energy, useful for active birds.
These berries also contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and boost the birds’ immune systems. Antioxidants can help migratory birds combat stress and inflammation during long flights. Blueberries provide essential minerals such as manganese, potassium, iron, fiber, copper, and magnesium, contributing to overall health. The natural sugars provide an energy boost, especially beneficial during periods of high demand like migration or nesting. Their soft nature and moisture content also make them easy for birds to consume.
Keeping Birds Off Your Berry Bushes
Protecting blueberry bushes from birds involves several strategies, with netting being one of the most effective methods. Apply netting before berries ripen and change color, ideally with a mesh size around ΒΌ inch. Elevate the netting above bushes using frames or poles to prevent birds from pecking through or becoming entangled, ensuring it reaches the ground to block access.
Visual deterrents can also be employed, such as hanging reflective objects like old CDs, Mylar tape, or aluminum pie plates near the bushes. The flashes of light can disorient birds and signal potential danger. Birds can become accustomed to static deterrents, so rotating their positions or combining them with other methods helps maintain effectiveness. Scare devices, including fake owls or scare-eye balloons, also deter birds but require frequent repositioning to prevent habituation.
Some gardeners plant decoy crops, such as mulberries or cherries, to divert birds’ attention from blueberry bushes. This sacrificial planting strategy can act as a buffer. Auditory deterrents like bird distress calls or noise machines can also be used.