Thoughts on Alternatives to Farming Deterrents

To Birders of Australia,

I’m an engineering undergraduate trying to develop a ‘best solution’ for the ongoing bird problem faced by many farmers and wine makers. I understand many of you may have strong opinions on the pro’s and cons of this topic; however I’m hoping you might be a good source of options and ideas.

Problem: Each year bird netting is put up in orchards and vineyards to prevent birds damaging crops. Birds caught in or under netting can be stressful if not fatal. Bird habituation (adapting to) is the main reason non-physical deterrents fail, yet farmers loose crop without some form of bird deterrent.

Currently I’m looking for ‘a better way’ of adapting none-net based deterrents to work effectively without injuring or trapping birds.

I have investigated a number of current commercial products and ideas, the technologies they use and their claims of success, however realistically there is a reason farmers stick by nets (because nothing else is effective long term). Currently we are looking into the use of mechatronic systems, sensor nodes and more complex deterrent networks – however the basic habituation problems still remains.

I’d be interested in hearing any thoughts people may have about potential ways of deterring birds from an area. I’m currently investigating options such as disturbance through sound, so am looking into information on birds and their hearing thresholds, however I am interested in any information/opinions/ideas that people wants to provide on ‘natural’ deterrents (besides predatory birds/falconry) or tackling habituation would also be great.

Thanks in advance (people can reply off forum in they prefer, cameronmcnab@live.com.au)

Cameron

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