Most Popular Post

Monday 17 October 2016

Continuing adventures with crows

A grape plant grows well at the base of our patio on Prince Edward Island.  Every year the yield increases and this year was no exception.

 

However, the neighbourhood crows and grackles discovered the tasty morsels too and I waged war with them in an effort to save some grapes for ourselves.

The birds made friends with two scarecrows which stood watch around the plant. 

 

It looked like the crows nodded in greeting as they proceeded to decimate the vine. They'd land on the patio railing and stare down at the grapes to figure out how to get some of the more inaccessible purple orbs. I took to scaring the crows away myself but they became more brazen over time and didn't move until I was almost close enough to touch them. They taunted and mocked me with that special caw crows make when they are irritated.

 

This past week, everything changed. I picked the grapes and the crows watched the proceedings. While I worked, two of them watched from the yard next door. 

 
 
They talked to each other and signaled their friends about my work around their grapes. The thieves also bade farewell to the inept scarecrows. I trimmed the plant after I picked the fruit and this really puzzled them. The birds landed on the patio railing, as they always did, looking down for the vines and their sweet juicy treats. Nothing. They moved their heads around as if puzzled by what they didn't see. The crows haven't been back...until next year. Meanwhile, I've put my accessories away until the end of this month.

 





22 comments:

Tabor said...

Crows are very smart and know that "scarecrows" are fake. I think that net barriers are what you must use next year.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Glad you had some grapes left to harvest! And I agree with Tabor -- you need net barriers!

Joanne Noragon said...

They look like the grapes of my childhood! My parents' arbor was overhead, the birds used the top and we picked from the bottom. My dad was six foot plus a few, and both parents had to reach up to cut the clusters.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Such adventures we tend to have with the birds and I'm glad you managed some grapes for yourself. A neighbour used to net his cherry tree but the robins were smart and knew how to get some anyway - not as many as they'd like though.

Elephant's Child said...

Sometimes I would be love to be able to understand what the birds (and other animals) are saying. Other days I am pretty certain I would shattered by their criticisms. And appalled at the language.
Good luck next year.

Anvilcloud said...

Your victory is something to crow about for sure.

Marie Smith said...

I'll have several tactics to use next year. Amazing creatures which brought out the witch in me.

Marie Smith said...

The grape juice was delicious, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

Your family shared with the birds. When I think about it more positively, I know I did the same, Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

I guess limiting the birds is all we can really do, Judith. I'll have another go next year.

Marie Smith said...

I tried not to lose it in my rants at the birds. There are little kids out in the yard next door after all. I must admit, I admired their persistence and ingenuity, EC.

Marie Smith said...

Lol. Yes it was. And I had lots of practice for Hallowe'en, AC.

DJan said...

You have certainly given many of your followers a smile or two. You can count me in on that number. :-)

Marie Smith said...

May as well have fun with it, Jan. They are wild creatures trying to survive. I admire them in many ways.

Silver in AZ said...

danged crows. we have way too many, too.

Marie Smith said...

They are fertile and adaptable, that's for sure, SW.

Angela said...

Crows are pretty smart birds so I am glad you got different tactics for next year! The grapes sure looked good.

Marie Smith said...

The grapes were delicious, Angela. I made grape juice and the natural goodness was so tasty.

Ginnie said...

They say that crows are among the smartest birds and I believe it. They had a run for their money though with you !

Marie Smith said...

Especially when I got on my broom, Ginnie!

Barbara said...

You need my Buddy. He thinks there is nothing greater than chasing birds, butterflies or even leaves that fly around his yard.

Marie Smith said...

Wish I lived nearby for you and Buddy to visit sometimes, Barbara.