birding-aus

Re: birds as pests of fruit crops

To: Andrew Fisher <>
Subject: Re: birds as pests of fruit crops
From: Ian Temby <>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 09:40:34 -0812 (EST)
On Tue, 11 Feb 1997 16:59:49 GMT+1000 Andrew Fisher 
<> wrote:
>Greetings birders,
>I am after any recent material on techniques for minimising bird 
>damage to fruit crops.

Andrew,
 
As far as I am aware, netting to exclude birds is still the most effective 
method to 
protect crops from birds.  The economics of damage and its control needs to be 
examined carefully to determine the cost benefit of this (or any other damage 
control measures employed).  If netting is not used, then a suite of measures 
used in combination is usually necessary to minimise damage by birds.  

This could include regular patrolling, use of Bird Frite cartridges, backed up 
by 
limited shooting of birds (otherwise they learn to ignore most noises/devices), 
use of gas guns moved regularly and in some cases, provision of alternate foods 
away from the crop.  Taped alarm or distress calls may enhance the 
effectiveness of such a strategy, if these are available.  

These methods are used by some enlightened growers and, if they are prepared 
to put in the time, damage can be reduced to very low levels.  

You are probably aware of most of the above.  There are no new developments 
that I am aware of.

Cheers

Ian (Wildlife Damage Control Officer)


========================================
Ian Temby
Flora & Fauna Branch
Department of Natural Resources & Environment
4/250 Victoria Parade
EAST MELBOURNE   VIC  3002
AUSTRALIA

Phone   613 9412 4429
Fax     613 9412 4586
E-mail  


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