SKY PATROL
Precision Falconry LLC
SERVICES
Integrated Crop Protection
Our 10 years+ experience in field-based bird abatement using falconry as the primary tactic have identified the following keys to effective bird control and crop protection:
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1. Early implementation—at least 10 days prior to fruit coloring, softening, and sweetening
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2. Daily presence of multiple trained falcons throughout the ripening and harvesting season
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3. Identification of nuisance birds’ patterns and behaviors
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4. Habitat management
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5. Calculated use of pyrotechnics
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6. Visual monitoring and response to bird presence throughout daylight hours
Falconry is a natural technique employed to disperse unwanted bird species that is non-polluting, free of chemicals, and sustainable. The use of live, trained falcons to harass bird species such as robins, starlings, and waxwings from ripening fruit takes advantage of the natural prey and predator relationship.
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Birds respond to the intensity of a hunting falcon that cannot be mimicked by kites, mylar ribbons, or balloons.
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Cost Effectiveness of Selected Bird Abatement Tactics
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Annual damage from birds accounts for 5% to 30% of yield-loss. Losses as high as 80% have been reported. Research* suggests that the use of trained falcons alone for bird abatement may reduce losses by 50%.2 Our results using trained falcons as part of an integrated program are a bit higher—suggesting close to 99% effectiveness.
Is precision falconry the best option for protecting your crops from bird damage?
*Burrows, C. L., MacConnell, C. B., Murray, T. A., & Schlamp, K. K. (2014). Integrated pest management for blueberries. Bellingham, WA: WSU Whatcom County Extension.
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*Leigh, D. K., & Steensma, K. M. M. (2013). Deterring birds in blueberries: Three potential techniques. A presentation to the WA Small Fruit Conference, Lynden, WA.
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