Birds are eating my Nashi pears!

They're not even ripe yet, but when I look out the window I see the birds busily pecking away, and fruit still on the tree has holes pecked out of it.

I don't mind sharing my pears, and already leave bread scraps and so on out for the birds. But this is too much! I would like to have at least some ripe pears for myself, and don't want to have to pick them all before they're properly ripe.

I've hung my wind chimes in the tree but of course the wind doesn't get to it easily in that position. Any other ideas?

Oh, and the tree has grown too big for me to put mesh over it. My neighbour has espaliered his fruit trees, and uses mesh, but that's not really for me.

Oh no, it sounds like some pesky birds are getting to your Nashi pears before you can even get a chance to enjoy them! Don't worry, there are a few things you can try to protect your pears from becoming a bird's breakfast.

First off, you can try putting up some netting around your pear tree. This will prevent the birds from getting access to the pears and allow you to enjoy them yourself. Just make sure the netting is secured tightly so the birds can't sneak their way in.

Another option is to scare the birds away with some scarecrows or reflective tape. Birds can be pretty skittish, so anything that moves or makes noise can deter them from coming too close to your pears. You could even try hanging up some old CDs or aluminum pie plates to create some reflective surfaces that will spook the birds.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you could try setting up a bird feeder in a different area of your yard to distract the birds away from your pears. This way, they'll have something else to munch on instead of your Nashi pears.

Lastly, you could try planting some fruit trees that birds aren't as interested in. Birds tend to prefer sweeter fruits, so planting something like a sour cherry tree instead of a Nashi pear tree might help keep them away.

Whatever method you choose, just remember to be patient and persistent. It may take a little trial and error to find the best solution for your specific situation. But with a little effort, you'll be able to enjoy your Nashi pears without any unwanted guests!

It’s so weird, the same has happened to my friends nashi and normally he has heaps but this year those lorikeets stripped it!

I must pick my apples as the beggars are in there having the time of their lives.

I don’t think they are nearly big enough for that. They are normally ready late March I think?

My Nashi pears are normally ready by late February but I don't like to pick them before they start turning yellow. That's the pleasure of home grown fruit, that they're picked ripe.

Yes, lakeview3, I think this is the first year I've seen the birds gobbling them in such quantity. I'm in Wellington and it has hardly rained at all recently, that's the only thing I can think of.

I've hung a tinfoil plate in the tree and have draped what mesh I have - but it only covers one branch! When I'm next in a $2 shop I can look for those colourful twirly things, I forget what they're called.

yes I was wondering the same, we have just had rain here today for the first time in about 6 weeks. They must be starved of food?

first thing i learnt is to not leave bread out for the birds etc,once they know your yard is a source of food,they will see it as such and eat everything thats edible.
my dad has that problem now and the birds hang around on the neighbors house,shitting on the roof etc.

Maybe get a fake falcon and place it somewhere in the tree?

You're right, I know, re leaving food out, nesta129, I guess it's because I basically like the birds, I can't put food such as bread in the compost (because of rats) and I don't like wasting it. Also, I have several feijoa trees and do want to attract birds, especially blackbirds, as they pollinate feijoas.

Not sure about getting a fake falcon . maybe!

I like birds too, in fact we have 2 thrushes who come right into the house to ask for bread! And when I mean in, I mean right inside halfway through the living area!

Tie brown paper bags over the fruit you want for yourself. They will still ripen, but the birds won't ruin them.