I have this problem with cherry blossoms, which seem more appealing to the f*ing finches than the plums. They will even destroy the tiny cherry fruitlets. I think that at this time of year there's not much else for them to eat. You might try the appeasement approach, give them a big pile of sunflower seeds and they might agree not to eat your fruit blossoms. I have put out one of those plastic owls with the swivel head, mounted on top of a pitchfork with a broken handle. Very easy to move around or it can be placed right into a tree for better effect. I do believe it has helped, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. It might just be that there are so many more cherry blossoms this year that the same damage doesn't seem as bad. Either post a guard 24/7, or use a physical barrier. Or, like most of us, accept defeat and deal with the losses.

Healthy stock blooming when purchased would normally be expected to keep blooming after purchase. Growers use particular fertilization and watering regimes planned specifically to produce attractive specimens as quickly as possible. Reductions in tree and shrub growth (and flowering) after purchase and planting by the end consumer are probably very often due to this same diligent fertilization and watering not being continued. Top and root growth schedules, plant nutrient requirements do not change because a specimen has been planted out. New shoots and roots are produced at the same basic time every year, the same mineral requirements are present every year - if the soil on a planting site is deficient it will need to be supplemented if optimum results are to be had. Whether the planting is new or not. This is why potted stock needs to be kept fertilized and potted on, or it will deteriorate - the plants do not turn their growth (top or root) and their mineral needs on and off with changes in horticultural circumstances.

Birds will eat butterflies but it is not cost effective for them to do so. Butterflies look like lazy fliers but are actually very difficult to catch. Just head out with a net and see! Butterflies are built to be anti-bird,their 4 wing construction gives them on the dime turning ability. As stated before, some taste horrible (monarchs actually concentrate cardiac glycosides in their wings so a nibble will release them), and some even give off chemicals to ward off would be predators (monarchs do this too). The biggest predator of adult butterfies (as opposed to larva)are spiders. I believe crab spiders are the biggest, as they hide in flowers that bees and butterflies visit. Ever notice how there are pictures everywhere of a crab spider feeding on a butterfly? The birds will eat a lot of caterpillars. They will probably make a major switch from seed to larva in the spring when feeding youngsters. Mostly though, it is probably pest species they will feed on at this time. Many of which are found in large numbers (group feeding). A favorite of small birds are sawflies (not butterflies but the larva get confused with butterflies). So, feed away, but if you want to raise butterflies, best to bring some eggs in the house to watch and raise. Too many other boogie monsters besides birds that get the little ones. Cheers, Elisabeth

Hi, Karalynn! Lovely photos! I believe your caterpillar is an orange-barred sulphur, and the birds are house finches. I've never seen one in Florida, but I know they are becoming more and more common here. Looks like you have a happy, HEALTHY garden! Congratulations, and thanks for sharing! Marcia