Tips of asparagus disappearing

[BAK]

I have a bed of Backlim which I am harvesting for the first time (3 years old).

The tips on an increasing number of spears are disappearing. I say disappearing ... about 50-60% are on the ground beside the spear. The remainder are nowhere to be seen.

I also have a bed of Cito which are coming up to 20 years old and will be retired when the Backlim is in full production. They do not suffer from the problem .... and indeed have never been a problem.

Any ideas on what the culprit or problem might be?

[BAK]

[goodlife]

...somebody in the other end of the hoe or birds... ;)

[BAK]

The bed does not get hoed.

Birds are a possible though this would be a new departure ... and if it was why have they not gone for the other bed (unless they prefer Backlim to Cito!).

[goodlife]

One of the gardens that I work for...they have mushrooms growing on one of the borders...I've been wondering what would cut the stems of those but do not eat them..they are left lying about..untill other day I saw blackbird having a good pull at them... ::) Propably trying all sorts for possible bedding material... ::)