Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/501762
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m M a y - J u n e 2 015 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 6 3 tional scarecrow, but anyone who's seen the mere shadow of a high-fly- ing peregrine falcon strike terror into pest birds knows the effectiveness of using raptors for bird abatement. According to Kort Clayton of Air- strike Bird Control, based in Paso Robles, Calif., "Falconry is probably 95% effective" in ridding vineyards of feathered pests. As any vineyard owner knows, birds that descend on acres of rip- ening grapes aren't just a minor annoyance; they're an attack on one's livelihood. Starlings are the main culprit, traveling in flocks numbering several thousand and Capable of wiping out an entire crop in one day of unimpeded feeding. Considered an invasive species, starlings were brought to the U.S. from Europe and released in New York City in 1890 and 1891 by an individual whose hobby was collecting every bird that was men- tioned in the plays of Shakespeare. The result has been a disaster for grapegrowers, as well as grow- ers of blueberries and cherries, starlings' other favorite snacks. In California alone, the U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture estimates that annual farming losses from bird damage range from $168 million to $504 million. But in a study by economists with the department's National Wildlife Research Cen- ter, the net benefit of bird control in vineyards was estimated to be $956 to $1,600 per acre. The newest method for bird abatement is also the oldest. Fal- cons were first trained for hunt- ing about 4,000 years ago. But only since 1972, the U.S. Depart- ment of Fish & Wildlife has issued abatement permits for the use of raptors in "the harassing and haz- ing of wildlife." Only Master Fal- coners, who have apprenticed for two years to an accomplished fal- coner and have an additional five years' experience as a General Falconer, can apply for the $100, three-year permit. Permit holders can then contract with other fal- coners to assist in their bird abate- ment work. That's how Airstrike Bird Con- trol operates, with Master Fal- + Falconry-based bird abatement is effective and sustainable. + The best companies offering falcon services are those that can outsmart birds. + Falcons are effective because of their speed and the instinctive terror they inspire in other birds. + Falcons do not kill or eat winged vineyard pests. Rather, they scare them away. AT A GLANCE For the last three harvests, Soter Vine- yards has used falcons such as this one to rid its vineyards of other birds. Master Falconer Kort Clayton of Air- strike contracts with other falconers to handle bird abatement in Oregon.