Hi Cameron,
A very difficult problem. One technique I have seen utilised fairly
successfully, is the use of "sacrificial" plantings around the periphery of the
crop. The "sacrificial" plantings were of non-crop species which were
attractive to birds and which fruited at the same time as the crop. Not 100%
effective, but as good as most other methods.
The only 100% effective method of protecting a fruit crop from birds, was at a
blueberry property in New Zealand. The owners completely enclosed the crop with
a chicken-wire cage. No mean feat with a 2Ha crop.
Cheers,
Carl Clifford
On 26/03/2013, at 12:55, Cameron McNab <> wrote:
> To Birders of Australia,
>
> I’m an engineering undergraduate trying to develop a 'best solution' for the
> ongoing bird problem faced by many farmers and wine makers. I understand many
> of you may have strong opinions on the pro's and cons of this topic; however
> I’m hoping you might be a good source of options and ideas.
>
> Problem: Each year bird netting is put up in orchards and vineyards to
> prevent birds damaging crops. Birds caught in or under netting can be
> stressful if not fatal. Bird habituation (adapting to) is the main reason
> non-physical deterrents fail, yet farmers loose crop without some form of
> bird deterrent.
>
> Currently I’m looking for 'a better way' of adapting none-net based
> deterrents to work effectively without injuring or trapping birds.
>
> I have investigated a number of current commercial products and ideas, the
> technologies they use and their claims of success, however realistically
> there is a reason farmers stick by nets (because nothing else is effective
> long term). Currently we are looking into the use of mechatronic systems,
> sensor nodes and more complex deterrent networks – however the basic
> habituation problems still remains.
>
> I’d be interested in hearing any thoughts people may have about potential
> ways of deterring birds from an area. I’m currently investigating options
> such as disturbance through sound, so am looking into information on birds
> and their hearing thresholds, however I am interested in any
> information/opinions/ideas that people wants to provide on 'natural'
> deterrents (besides predatory birds/falconry) or tackling habituation would
> also be great.
>
> Thanks in advance (people can reply off forum in they prefer,
>
>
> Cameron
>
>
>
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