Strawberries, with their vibrant red color and sweet taste, are a beloved fruit for many, including various bird species. Gardeners frequently observe birds feasting on these ripe berries, a common sight. Birds are drawn to these fruits, often making them a primary target in gardens and wild patches.
Common Strawberry-Eating Birds
Many bird species consume strawberries, posing a challenge for home gardeners. American Robins are frequent visitors to strawberry patches. Their diet primarily consists of insects and worms, supplemented by fruits, especially during breeding season when energy demands are high. European Starlings are notorious for consuming both fruit and seeds. They often descend in flocks, causing substantial damage to a strawberry bed.
Cedar Waxwings possess a particular fondness for fruit. These birds often consume entire patches of berries and can be observed feeding in groups. Northern Mockingbirds are opportunistic feeders that frequently return to a fruit source once discovered. Their varied diet includes insects and a considerable amount of fruit, making strawberries an attractive food item.
House Finches and House Sparrows are also common culprits, often pecking holes in strawberries, which then makes the fruit susceptible to decay. While smaller, their collective feeding can still lead to significant losses. Larger birds like Blue Jays, though primarily known for eating nuts and seeds, will also consume berries when available. Grackles, another omnivorous species, may eat smaller strawberries whole or damage larger ones. Even Crows, which prefer larger fruits, will take bites out of strawberries, seldom consuming an entire berry but contributing to fruit loss.
Why Strawberries Attract Birds
Strawberries are highly attractive to birds due to several characteristics. Their bright red coloration signals ripeness, drawing birds from a distance. This vivid hue indicates high sugar content, providing a readily available energy source, particularly important during periods of high activity like breeding or migration.
Beyond their color, the sweet taste and high water content of strawberries fulfill specific avian needs. The sugars offer immediate energy, while the water helps with hydration, which is especially beneficial during hot or dry seasons when other water sources might be scarce. The low-growing nature of strawberry plants also makes the fruit easily accessible targets for many bird species, requiring minimal effort to obtain a meal.
Protecting Your Strawberry Patch
Protecting a strawberry patch from birds involves implementing humane deterrents to preserve the harvest. One of the most effective methods is draping the patch with bird netting, an inexpensive plastic mesh with small holes. This physical barrier prevents birds from accessing the fruit. When using netting, it is important to secure the edges carefully to prevent birds from sneaking underneath and becoming trapped.
Another approach involves using bird scare devices. Reflective tape, often made of Mylar or foil, can be tied to stakes near the patch. The fluttering movement and reflective flashes can disorient and deter birds, though their effectiveness may diminish as birds become accustomed to them. Similarly, fake owls or other predator decoys can be placed in the garden, but these need to be moved every few days to prevent birds from realizing they are not a threat.
Companion planting, while not a direct deterrent, can sometimes offer a degree of protection by distracting birds or providing alternative food sources. Additionally, placing a birdbath nearby can provide an alternative source of water, which might reduce the birds’ motivation to seek out the water content in berries, especially if they are thirsty. Some gardeners also choose to plant additional strawberry plants or other berry-producing plants to provide enough fruit for both themselves and the birds.