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Sparrow deterrent

B3B3 Posts: 24,432
edited 19 February in Plants
I will start by saying I don't want to harm the sparrows in any way.
Is there anything I could spray on my cherry plum to stop the sparrows from eating the leaf buds?
I have accepted that the flower buds are a lost cause - although I have had one or two this year.
In London. Keen but lazy.
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,737
    edited 19 February
    I find that although sparrows, woodpigeons etc do take leaf buds, the trees soon grow replacements (unlike with the flower buds). 
    And while the sparrows are taking leafbuds they’re also taking the aphids etc that they find. 
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,941
    Have you tried owl decoys sat visibly in the tree?  Move it to a new spot in the tree every few days. It works at our local GC to keep the local finches out of the bird seed area.  Or what about recycling some CDs and hanging them about the tree to flash light about as they spin?  I've used that with success to keep them from perching on the edge of the trampoline net or on my garden chairs.  
    Utah, USA.
  • B3B3 Posts: 24,432
    I'll take comfort in that @Dovefromabove 😊
    @Blue Onion. The cd idea is good. But they're in the attic - I think. Also, it's the front garden. I think I might look like a bit of a wally if I start hanging things off the tree.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 2,639
    Lots of Sparrows here - Wood Pigeons too - but never bother with the 2 Cherries - perch but never seen them pecking .
    Plenty of food in the garden and surrounding hedgerows/fields tho so that may explain getting away with it here.  Sorry - not particularly helpful really.
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,941
    Just use some pink, yellow, and lime ribbon on the CDs and tell the neighbors they are for Easter.

    Utah, USA.
  • B3B3 Posts: 24,432
    What really peeves me is , they're next door's sparrows.
    My sparrows are out the back and they are very well-behaved. 
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,109
    We have a beautiful cherry tree, everything eats the buds (and the cherries, lol!) - sparrows, jackdaws, etc. There's still tons of blossom and fruit.
    Do they strip your tree that badly? 
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 2,639
    Just be careful with CD's - our previous NDN's used them ( not to deter birds just to make sure we moved ).  If the CD's are sited on a south facing aspect and are directly opposite a neighbouring property's window, it is akin to living in a disco.
    B3 said:
    What really peeves me is , they're next door's sparrows.
    My sparrows are out the back and they are very well-behaved. 
    That made me smile - are you actually sure ?  Could not 1 or 2 be trying to fool you :D
  • B3B3 Posts: 24,432
    Last year they missed one blossom. There's maybe 20 this year. . Upper branches had fairly sparse leaves last year. Lower branches were OK. They go into it for a dump and eat the buds while they're at it. Snow in summer ( not the plant) underneath😒
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,109
    B3 said:
    What really peeves me is , they're next door's sparrows.
    My sparrows are out the back and they are very well-behaved. 
    🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
    Quality. 👍
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