Birds pecking off tomato leaves?

[VC Scott]

Originally Posted by RobinB

I have quail problems, but they nibble on the lower branches that they can reach from the ground. later on, I have problems with other birds pecking on tomatoes that are ripening. I have tried the holographic tape, but didn't have much luck. Last year, I got some tin pie plates and silver curling ribbon at the dollar store, and strung them up to bang together in the wind. I also use mylar pinwheels. I also think it helps to move things around occasionally, because they get used to things being where they are and get bold after a while. Sometimes, when I have some ripening fruit that I REALLY want, I'll cover part of the plant with lightweight row cover for a little while. I hate the bird netting, because the birds will just peck right through it because they can still see the fruit. Plus, if you leave it on, your plants will start growing through the netting.

I have the same problem with quail. They get the bottom 6 inches of the plants, which is OK because I would eventually pinch them off anyway. This year I intentionally let the plants get a bit leggy and planted when they were about 12 inches tall. The quail got the bottom, but they only killed a couple plants.