We have an issue with magpies in our garden. They’ve been around for a long time, however this year they have become a particular nuisance. I have had several pots with hostas in for some years, but moved the pots into my lawn for a few days, and the magpies completely ate two of them right down to the roots! I have now had to hide the rest of the pots and I don’t know how to stop them from eating the rest - can anyone help with ideas? Any idea why they’ve found the hostas so attractive?
Must confess have never heard of Magpies eating plants before ... found this site with a few tips but not liking the idea of netting as smaller birds could get trapped! You could also try making a garlic liquid wash, although mainly a deterrent for slugs & snails, it might be worth seeing if it puts the Magpie off!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Wr are having the exact same problem and thought it might have been rabbits bit we have now caught the magpies red handed twice. My Wife has possibly come up with why they are doing it and that is because they are maybe finding slugs or snails in the centre of the plant...
There's also a possibilty that the pots (compost and associated plants) are harbouring insects and their larvae, and since the hostas are in pots it may not be ideal for the hostas. Hostas need moisture. Perhaps the plants would be safer if not in pots?