Falcons are used in a number of places as an Integrated Pest Management tool to address non-native avian problems.
Did you know?
- Falcons dive at 250 mph (that is FAST!)
- Falcons are used to protect municipal water sources
- You might see Jim and the falcons at Pebble Beach Resorts before the big tournament
I was thrilled to be invited by Hahn Family Wines to their demo of the avian abatement program in their Monterey County Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard. Jim and Kathleen from Tactical Avian Predators are amazing and taught us tons about the raptors, their training, and diet (quail – yum).
Later in the year, starlings can be a bit of a problem in vineyards, snacking on the sweet berries and grapeseeds which can affect yields and open the fruit up for disease. This time of year, you might see the green bird netting draped over the vines to exclude the birds. Or you might hear loud “booms” from the bird cannons in hopes to scare the starlings away.
In some cases, it makes sense for growers to employ professional falconers to keep the birds out of the vineyard. The falconers typically start prior to harvest to scare away the “scouts” and keep starling populations low. Later on, they use a combination of bird dogs along with the falcons to protect the fruit from bird damage.
I was amazed at how well coordinated the trainer, the dog, and falcon were and how their team worked in the vineyard. Using whistles, commands, and physically working their way through the vines, the falcons circle above and react to any birds that are scared out of the canopy. And when the starlings know the falcons are above them, believe me, they get out of the way.
Thanks to Philip Woodrow at Hahn Family Wines for sharing this video – check out their blog for more falcon pics, videos and info. And of course, you should check out their newly released, SIP Certified 2008 SLH Pinot Noir.