The birds are picking off grubs and larvae Elaine, so are doing a good job for you on the whole. I'd just let them get on with it. Dangly bits of plastic & foil aren't an adornment to the scene, I'd just sweep the bits back onto the bed from time to time

I find that they do eventually stop once the mulch has settled and mixed in slightly.

I agree it does die down and as already said I sweep it back or rather tend to kick it back. Cannot see the point in having a garden with no birds.

I dont think they will do long term damage to your plants. They will do more good than harm even if they leave a mess. Take pleasure in watching them and knowing you are giving them a food source during this cold spell.

I'd rather have a messy garden and lots of birds than the other way around.

Just enjoy the birds, they are endangered anyway and we need to look after them.

Australian wildlife in your garden FPC ???- - - - WOW !! get your camera out & send us Goy'ers photo's. I would love to see what visitor's you get !! We're freezing here, we need some sunny photo's to cheer us up ;-))
Best wish's.

i have seen old cds strung up to put the birds off! ??

Well we tried that for the likes of pigeons decimating the veg - sort of worked - not!!!

Hi Everyone.

A big thankyou for your replies, i do understand what you are all saying, but the birds i am talking about, are Blackbirds,and Mina birds. These are not really pretty birds, like the Rosellas, and the Rainbow Lorikeets that fly around over here, they don,t bother coming down to dig over my garden mulch. While i guess i will have to just put up with it. Thankyou all once again.

Regards Elaine.