How Much is Too Much?

I have talked with various growers over the past several years, and observed in-field practices as associated with their timing and length of deployment of Lp cannons, and now non-cannon alternatives. Have conversed with both US and north of the border growers.

It is my judgment that all blueberry growers (large or small operations) are nervous about what's gonna ruin my yield. Could be insect, fungus, hail, drought, freezing or birds, etc. Having invested A LOT into their venture, this is completely understandable. I'd be there right with them if I were a grower too.

However, when it comes to applications of chemicals or fertilizers, the manufacturer provides fairly precise instructions as to proper dosages, considerations of environmental conditions (rain, wind, etc), signs of infection/predation, and so on.

When it comes to bird predation, there is no such "proper dosages" instructions or even guidelines.

Really, there is very little help that has come forth from anyone remotely associated with the small fruit industry, that is instructive. Rather, what has been "out there" for years, has been, set up the cannons, turn them on early morning to late evening, 24/7 on a regular basis - hope this works.

Okay today, we now have enough anecdotal testimony from a wide spectrum of sources, which clearly suggests cannons only work for a limited period of time. If put on "auto" 24/7 whether there is Starling pressure or not, this convincely leads to habituative conditions...the birds are desensitized and invade the berries wantingly.

Guess what, these habituative conditions can also occur with man-made alternatives to cannons. Oh yes, my wonderful Helikites and JacKites can suffer the same fate...they become non-threatening with over use. Same is precisely true with the array of distress (squawkers) boxes.

So all this begs the question: Then what is a wise grower to do?

Response:
1. Other than putting up nets resulting in 100% effectiveness, the grower will by common-sense just have to accept some losses due to bird predation. Why? [oh BTW, some growers in Whatcom Co. are seriously considering nets for next year est. cost @ $1,500/acre, 10-year life]
2. Related, appreciating that nothing on the face of this earth will keep ALL birds of ALL species ALL the time from predation of SOME of the fruit. This is a fact. So it's a matter of "acceptable" losses.
3. Having the above reality-check, it behooves the grower to have a comprehensive Bird Management Plan,that encompasses a wide, diverse array of approaches which addresses "unacceptable losses". As a wise approach deploying the Plan's elements with reasoned discipline -- this is key!
4. This "reasoned discipline" will help counter the normal reactive action to start cannons or deploy any alternative so as to "just feel good that I'm doing something to protect my fields." If the birds are not there, or if birds are inflicting losses that are minimal, or if there are bird species present known not to respond, it is less than prudent (unwise) to deploy repellent strategies in such a way and thereby over reacting that leads to habituative conditions.
5. One must be in the field often enough to observe actual conditions. No birds: shut down or take down. Light pressure: deploy just enough strategies on an "as needed basis". It is incumbent the grower to respond to actual conditions vs. perceived conditions.
6. Prior to threatening pressure, it is imperative that a "just enough" approach be the rule. This means to only pull out the quiet alternatives first, on a limited, non-repetitive basis.
7. Also get on the "front side of the wave". This means to be earnestly observing first and light signs of real pressure, and then respond with #6 above. Don't let things (as far as Starlings are concerned) get too far along, so "flock knowledge" creates a "shark feeding frenzy". But don't over react either.

In summary, I am suggesting consideration and implementation of 1-7 above as a way that will help fill that void of what to do when it comes to really effective bird repellents.

I am sure we will learn more this season...but I hope this helps anyone who is willing to approach this issue with something other than a "blast-at-will" perspective.

I am also sure (humble as I am) that I am not the final, authorative voice on such matters. I am only one person who has some experience and knowledge to pass on. I consider this a "for what it is worth" thing for anyone listening. Hope it helps.

CS

REMEMBER: The villain is the Starling. It is not the grower.