We have had a problem with Scrub Jays, Mockingbirds and Towhees going after the blueberries. Fortunately, this year there weren't many problems, only a few Towhees and Mockingbirds who came in well after the main harvest was done.

Still, you need netting to keep them out. You need to make sure to get the bottom of the netting secured as the Towhees will come in from the ground. Given the size of the first blueberry bush this is actually quite a task.

I've only done this for the main bush but may need to do it for the other three blueberry bushes once they take hold.

We had to trim the tree way back last year which meant this years (2025) yield was way down. At one point there was only one left but someone got to it first.

I think this was a squirrel as I've seen them out there frequently. There's really not much that can be done to prevent them from getting some fruit. Usually, there is enough to go around so them getting a few isn't so bad.

I tried pears three different times. The last time I bought one in 2023 I sprayed regularly during the spring, the worst time for blight. For a couple of months it worked and even produced a handful of pears. I went for like a couple of weeks without spraying and the blight took over. I tried trimming the infected branches but it eventually became hopeless.

I love pears but they're tough. If there are a demonstrated blight-resistant type of pear tree I might be willing to try it again.

The birds going after the mature kale isn't too much of an issue. But if they go after the freshly-planted kale or other starts, the plants may have trouble getting going.

I built this box using PVC piping, a thick (1/4") steel screen, and held these together with zip ties. It has held up quite well over the years.

We've seen a bit of a problem with birds going at the kale. However, they don't eat much and the kale grows like crazy. So, we'll let them have a bit of eat. The birds are Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Goldfinches.