June 29 2008

10:15 am

Due to the unseasonably cool temps for June, I noticed the blueberries are only pea sized and totally green. Looks like it may be around 2 more weeks before signs of ripening occur.

Crop looks to be good in numbers of fruit per bush.

I did notice Starlings several at a time flying back and forth the field from my woods. Obviously they were not going there for berries. I think the excess irrigation water from the drip system that collected in small puddles was their source for water, and that was the primary reason they were visiting the field. This may or may not be good behavior, that is having the Starlings during the pre-ripening time, gain "appreciation" for the field's resources. And then by virtue of coming for the sources of water there, gaining knowledge of and when the berries start to ripen. Something to consider.

8:30 pm

Heard some shotgun shooting to the northwest approx. a mile away. Guessing a dairy farmer trying to scare off Starlings.

CS

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