Paul Moran <paulmm@i...> wrote:
> Hi all,
> We lost virtually all of our small crop this year to birds - red
> parrots. They seemed to be feeding on the grass seed within the grove
> and then made their way into the trees. This would have been our first
> harvest and although the fruit was minimal I was expecting to get
> something out of our 1100 trees. Has anyone had a similar problem and
> are there any suggestions to prevent this next year. Our trees will be 5
> years old next year so I'm hoping for a reasonable harvest.
> Any advice appreciated.
> Regards
> Paul
>

Paul,
Many growers in this area (Tamworth) have reported the same phenomenon
this year. I suspect that it may be due to the difficult climatic
conditions, giving rise to the birds seeking food where they would
normally not. If the "normal" food supply is low, you gotta eat something!

Hope the next season is something like normal, so theycan find their
food elsewhere! You could always invest in a bird scarer (a carbide
gun or a "real" gun if that suits) to keep them away. ;^)

Cheers
John Attwood
Tamworth NSW Au