Birds vandalizing phals?

[mehitabel]

Anyone had or suspected birds of vandalizing your orchids?
The last few mornings I've found fresh scars on a few phals-- the top, newest (freshest and most beautiful) leaf with a few rakings less than an inch, or smallish holes.

I have the carts along the deck bannister overnight, and the damage is always on the side that is next to the bannister, and only to plants at the very edge. Interior plants are not damaged. The top shelf of the cart is about the height of the bannister, so a critter could walk or perch on the bannister and do it's stuff to the plants on the edge of the cart very easily.

I suspect birds because a mocking bird (and a couple of babies) has been visiting my deck for several days, walking along the bannister and taking it unkindly when anyone steps out there, tho they do leave.

Also, the damage is small compared to what a squirrel could do. Rabbits? no way they would leave three scratches on a leaf and then leave. Besides, it's a second-story deck and they can't get up there.

The damage is small, but for a perfect new leaf to go from perfect to banged up overnight, is still unpleasant.

Anyone know whether birds peck and claw at leaves? And why?

[quiltergal]

I have to say when I read the title of this thread I formed a mental image of birds with tiny cans of spray paint. Sorry! Overactive imagination.

I wonder if they're trying to perch on the leaves only to discover they won't hold their weight? The evenness of the marks sounds like claws rather than beaks. Some folks use those inflatable owls to scare birds away. Problem is it takes them about 2 days to figure out it isn't real. Could you maybe attach some hardware cloth (square wire mesh) to the bannister side of the cart so it extends just beyond the top of the plants?

[bonsai1504]

I have to say when I read the title of this thread I formed a mental image of birds with tiny cans of spray paint. Sorry! Overactive imagination

thats what i thought too

at least the squirrels haven't found them(trust me, squirrels aren't so cute after they shred an orchid)

[Gin]

Yes I have, I did put the Vandas outside several years ago , birds plucked the blooms to build a fancy nest ; I don't put them out anymore . Bet it is birds ,try rubber snakes .. Gin

[mehitabel]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. The last two nights I've left them in the middle of the deck instead of on the edge, and no new damage. So I think the deck bannister makes it just too tempting for whoever.

Quiltergal, it's the evenness of the scratches that makes me think birds, too. Three equidistant scratches sounds like a tiny claw to me.

Gin-- orchid flowers in the nest? That is a bird with elevated taste, all right A Magpie?

[gmdiaz]

Good to move them back a bit from the railing. . .but if you hear the sounds of tiny little spray cans being shaken. . .you've got BIGGER problems!

P.S. Be sure to keep your patio doors locked at all times. . .no point in tempting fate!

[Ross]

One of the many reasons I no longer place plants outside (except for three plants needing brighter light than my window provides). I used to move the entire collection out on the deck, but bugs and critters were too much to deal with. Have had better luck since leaving them inside.