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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