The Politically Correct Way to Control Birds.

This month’s column is titled “The Politically Correct Way to Control Birds”.  I’ve called it that because it is shorter and easier to understand than the real title which should be, “How to Control your Bird, Rodent, and Any Other Furry or Feathered Pest Problem Without Looking Like you’re an Animal-hating, Killing Monster to Everyone Else.”

Animal Damage Control is best done discreetly, always.  As a grower, you’re not usually concerned with the perception - you just want some results.  Well, let’s talk about perception for a minute.

Two weeks ago I was at a vineyard looking at some equipment that can be used with netting.  After taking up two hours of the grower’s time we decided to head up to the tasting room and enjoy a little fruit of the labor.  I had a couple of people with me who were from the eastern part of the country and hadn’t had a chance to taste some of the California wines, so they were more that happy to spend some time tasting, and buying, as it turned out.  While we were working I had noticed a couple of other vehicles passing through headed toward the tasting room as well.  Once we entered, our host was immediately recognized.  The first question out of everyone’s mouth was, “What were you doing out there?” When bird control was the answer, I could tell from the look on the faces present that we were in for a show.  The next five to ten minutes was spent covering everything from propane cannons to netting to chemicals.  The amount of misinformation was amazing.  These people clearly felt that anything that had to do with bird control was a complete waste of time, irritating to look at and listen to.  Why?  Well because, those birds can’t possibly be that damaging to your winegrapes - they’re just little birds after all.

When you have enough experiences like this you began to get a feel for the public perception regarding animal damage control.  As a grower or winemaker you are involved so heavily in the industry that some things are taken for granted.  Everyone realizes that gophers, ground squirrels, starlings and finches are vineyards pests who damage grapes - right? Wrong.  A very large percentage of your customers, lets say 75% conservatively,do not think you have any sort of problems with wildlife. 

What do you think of when you see deer, or a covey of quail, or some cottontail rabbits in your vineyard.  I can guarantee that the term, “Oh, how cute”, or “Hey, look at those deer” doesn’t usually come to mind.  I can’t print what usually comes to mind for most growers.  However, for the people that we encountered in the aforementioned tasting room, as well as for a large percentage of your customer base, seeing wildlife is all part of the vineyard experience.

So, how do you balance the two?  First, know your pest species.  Second, know what pests you have and how you are controlling them in your vineyard.  Third, know the laws.  When it comes to bird control you need to know about the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  This act was passed into law in 1918.  It prohibits the take of basically every species of bird except, Starlings, Pigeons, and English Sparrows.  These three species are considered pest birds, non-native to the U.S. and could be taken with a flame-thrower if you could do it ethically and legally.  When it comes to rodents there is no source better than your County Ag Department.  They can tell you what is registered and legal for rodent control in your county.  The best way to explain animal damage control to anyone is to be truthful and explain the legality of what you’re doing and why.

It is important to be discreet and responsible when you’re doing things like animal damage control.  I have heard it said that we are living in an age when people learn about nature from reading Natural Geographic or watching the Discovery Channel.  I imagine there is some truth to that, but that doesn’t make those people stupid.  They probably don’t have the opportunity to see it first hand like others of us can.  If they are taking time to read or watch they are definitely interested and they may also be getting some bad information, it depends on how they interpret it.  As an individual involved in the wine making or grape growing industry, you probably have more experience than a lot of other people with these animals.  It should not come as a surprise to you that something you think of as a common pest is a unique experience for them.  Learn how to handle it properly and you’ll probably sell more wine.  Handle it wrong and you’ll lose some customers.

How can you do it politically correctly?  Just give people straight answers and know your facts.  I’m not sure that this is politically correct after all.  I guess it’s just the correct thing to do.