Ask the Experts

Readers get answers to puzzling bird and garden situations

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Robins invaded the grape jelly in our oriole feeder, eating more of it than the orioles! Is it common for robins to eat grape jelly? Can we discourage them from visiting the feeder? We also have several other feeders with seeds and suet. Cynthia Giel PITTSBURGH, PA

Kenn and Kimberly: Most of the time, robins are not regular feeder visitors, as they don’t show much interest in seeds, suet or other typical feeder fare. But if an individual develops a taste for something like mealworms or grape jelly, it may become a frequent guest, and other robins may follow its example. To keep them from crowding out the orioles, we suggest putting out two jelly feeders some distance apart. It’s best to put out only small amounts of grape jelly at a time, because this should be considered a treat or a snack for the birds, not a main course.

Q I have wisteria planted with my pergola and can't keep up with trimming it! Is there any way to slow down its growth? Mary Beth Rechichar GRINDSTONE, PA

Melinda: If this is a Chinese or Japanese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda, respectively) both are invasive in your state and many others. Consider removing the plant to eliminate the need to prune and the risk of it spreading into nearby natural spaces where it climbs, girdles and eventually kills trees. The native wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is less aggressive but still a vigorous vine. In this case, regular moderate pruning each year can help manage the growth of established plants. Since they flower on new growth, you can prune them during the dormant season and still have flowers. Avoid excessive pruning and fertilization that can encourage excessive growth.