North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Stephen Sadler" <Docshiva@Docshiva.org>]

I wish I could tell why I've, so far, had good luck with feeding.  Maybe
it's because I always combine it with some other approach to make the crop
less attractive, or perhaps I've just lucked out.  I don't depend as much on
it for strawberries - those, I net.  With cherries I had much success
planting a yellow blush cherry for me, and a flowering cherry that produced
bright red, tiny cherries the birds far preferred right nearby.  They
fruited at the same time.  

I do guess that netting is an easier solution than bagging every individual
cherry...

Stephen Sadler
USDA 9, AHS heat zone 8, 
Sacramento CA - Mediterranean climate


-----Original Message-----
From: nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Jim Cooper
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 3:39 PM
To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] finches in apple trees

I've tried to feed, then I've stopped feeding the birds, and I have seen
little difference in the bird damage to the fruit as it ripens. I do net
the cherries to get some fruit, without I'd have little or none. I have
had birds eating the peach blossoms and I get mad until I see I still
have to thin lots more!

I would guess that they get only a few buds and you will get blossoms.
and then fruit!

Jim
Zone 6
N. Idaho