As to why, I can only assume it is because they are hungry this time of year, especially the migrating varieties, and the pickings are slim since little of the natural environment as gone to seed right now. And once one finds a source of food others will flock to the area just as they do to feeders.

But it is possible to limit their access and damage with protecting cover made of chicken wire or bird netting.

And keep in mind that given the weird weather in much of the country this year many things are slow to germinate so you may yet be surprised. Good luck.

Dave

Thanks much for this, Dave. I just seeded another flower bed yesterday and have been thinking seriously about bird netting. I'd have to find some way of holding it a few inches off the ground, yes? What do you think about laying a frost blanket down over the soil? Presumably I could lay that right on the surface. Then I'd peek underneath in a week or two and if anything has started to germinate, then remove it.

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping to be surprised, but five weeks is a long time.

It seems that most seed-gardeners don't typically have this problem. I guess my question is: why here in my gardens and (mostly) not elsewhere? I certainly have many birds nearby (I'm guessing it's either the sparrows or finches), but everyone has birds. I'm trying to figure out what it is in my particular environment and context that would cause my garden seed-beds to be attacked by birds in March and April (I'm in Boston) compared to seedbeds that don't get devoured? Is there some predisposing factor that I need to consider?

Frost blanket can work as long as you check under it often and remove it as soom as they sprout. The thinner weight "insect barrier works even better as it lets more light through.

For the wire or bird netting, if you have any old wire coat hangers (or any stiff wire) you can easily build dome shape to support the wire up off the area.

https://www.google.com/search?q=chicken+wire+plant+protectors&biw=1331&bih=658&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiN74W3ppvMAhWC74MKHdPtDOUQsAQISw

Dave

After finding several dehydrated dead toads tangled in bird netting I won't use it anymore. I would prefer nylon tulle net from the fabric store or even plastic if you can hold it well above the soil, like on saw horses. individual plants get a mini greenhouse of a water bottle or gallon jug until they are sturdy plants.

I agree with Candace about the bird netting. After having to free a tangled up bird and a black snake (tricky) I will never use it again.

By the way, birds eat my seeds, too, and also nip off seedling leaves at the base. I've seen them do it. I try to start all my seeds indoors or in controlled 6-paks outdoors, except the ones that will not transplant well. That gives me more seed control. But birds will be birds and I just do what I can.

Now if you're talking about rodents eating your garden, that's a whole other story.