Ready for the birds

Birds are welcome in my backyard, most of the time, but there is one corner in my backyard where birds are not welcome right now--my blueberry bushes!

This year's blueberry crop is extremely heavy.  They like a cold winter which I'm sure has contributed to the abundance.  However, I do not like to share my blueberries with the birds.

This has been an ongoing battle.  First, I tried rubber snakes.  The birds were not in the least bit intimidated.  The following year I draped them in leftover wedding tulle.  The birds just hopped up underneath the tulle and had their feast without fear of predators.

Last year, I finally found a method that seems to deter them.  Many birds do not like fishing line so I use a fishing line barrier to keep English sparrows out of my bird feeder (a story for another day).  I decided to try it on the blueberry bushes.  I stretch fishing line across the tops of the bushes to stakes and the fence.  Just to give a little extra insurance, I move one of my wind chimes there and add strips of fabric and some sparkley yard art to the fishing line. 

Last year this technique worked like a charm.   The blueberries are starting to mature--I'm ready for the birds!