The latest in Bird Control products recognises bird predation when it happens and takes action. Fast and consistent response plus early intervention prevents birds from developing a feeding habit in a vineyard or orchard.

Vineyard Surveillance - Protecting Crops from Bird Damage

The performance indicators page shows bird numbers Vs time as measured in two crop locations separated by about a one km. Although the trial lasted 3 months, the data shows how bird numbers can rapidly escalate within a few short days if the crop remains unprotected. This type of graph is typical of many pest or disease situations, where if action is not taken early the problem soon spirals out of control. During the scouting phase of bird predation careful monitoring of the crop is required.

Bird detecting radar systems are now available which record the time and date of every bird entry and exit into the crop. After the radar activated deterrent system is deployed, the data should show the level of bird activity drop. An onlooker should notice birds actively avoiding the protected area. The first step of bird predation, namely scouting is halted. Should the data from the radar indicate bird levels are rising the deterrent strategy can be revised or shooters can be brought in during recorded times of peak bird activity. Ten minutes of shooting at the right time is worth at least an hour of shooting at the wrong time.

The bird detection system can also be used to create an ambush for the birds. Deterrents are carefully concealed below the vine canopy amongst the best and ripest fruit in the vineyard. When the unsuspecting birds enter the vineyard visual deterrents such as the "scary clown" burst out of the canopy, reinforced by distress calls or the shots of a gas cannon.

Deterrents should be deployed that take advantage of the idiosyncrasies of the particular species. Starling response to their distress call is vigorous and can be used to good effect in combination with a gas cannon. Crows however are more intelligent and often require multiple deterrent types operating at different times for the best effect. Using a gas gun in combination with an inflatable man and distress call completes the picture for the crow and thereby multiplies the effect of the individual deterrents. Deterrents however should never be predictable or static.

As can be seen in the photo below the dead crows on the fence should send a powerful message. However if all that happens is an increase in the number of dead birds on the fence, the crows soon take little notice.

Systematic and cost effective control of birds is now possible by applying the principles of electronic surveillance, security and information systems to the vineyard. The BirdDeter system trains the birds to stay away (leaving no dead birds on the fence!)

"At Kirribilly Wines whenever we think of pest bird control we think BirdDeter!" Andrew Pengilly of Kirribilly Wines

Kirribilly Wines' deterrent fleet protects Kirribilly from bird damage.

Mulyans Vineyard

"Before BirdDeter, this 50 acre Vineyard would lose up to 30 tons of grapes a season to Crows and Starlings. Now, it is negligible." James Fagan, Mulyans Vineyard (pictured below). Bird pressure on this vineyard is extremely high due to its close proximity to a landfill, which is frequented by thousands of Starlings and Crows each day (starling flock photo below).

AUDIO TESTIMONIAL by Paul Banyard of Red Centre Wines in Victoria.
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VIDEO TESTIMONIAL by Paul Banyard of Red Centre Wines in Victoria.

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GROWER TESTIMONIALS (PDF)