Birds eating apricot blossoms--will tree set fruit? (forum)

KitschWitch starts with ...
We have a lot of parrots at this time of year and they love to nibble at the blossoms on our apricot (and ornamental apricot, but not other prunus sp.).

The blossoms then fall to the ground.

Should I net them out or let them eat the blossoms?

The net I have is a Fruit Saver type which I think will keep out bees as well.

The tree has been flowering for about a week.

Thanks.

Time: 29th August 2013 1:09pm

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Original Post was last edited: 29th August 2013 1:30pm

About the Author KitschWitch
Canberra
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Jason says...
I have the same problem and no, with enough parrots eating the flowers you don't get any fruit. I've invented a strategy though, well a few of them.

1) plant more trees than they can eat
2) save your late apples and throw them on the ground for parrot food during the couple weeks the apricots flower
3) net the tree during flowering

Time: 29th August 2013 1:20pm

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Original Post was last edited: 29th August 2013 1:22pm

About the Author Jason
Portland
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KitschWitch says...
Thanks Jason.
I'll try to net them in a way that still lets the bees in.

Time: 29th August 2013 1:30pm

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About the Author KitschWitch
Canberra
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Jason says...
You'll see if you look at the fallen blossoms parrots bite the back of the flower and drink the nectar in there. Their favourite flowers to do this to seem to be Banana passionfruit and Apricots. Bees will still go through a normal bird net at least.

Time: 29th August 2013 1:33pm

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About the Author Jason
Portland
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KitschWitch says...
Banana passionfruit? We have a one year old vine that hasn't flowered yet. The parrots will love us :)

My bird net is very fine--2mm mesh (see http://fruittreenets.info/specifications.php)


Time: 29th August 2013 1:40pm

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About the Author KitschWitch
Canberra
#UserID: 8179
Posts: 18
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