Bird Damage to Grapes in the United States with Emphasis on California

Download or read book Bird Damage to Grapes in the United States with Emphasis on California written by F. T. Crase and published by . This book was released on 1976 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Results of a questionnaire returned by 375 wildlife and agricultural specialists and grape growers throughout the United States indicated that bird damage to grapes was at least $4.4 million in 1972. The loss in California alone was probably more than 3.7 million. Grapes of various varieties were grown on over 645,600 acres in 13 States. California contained about 85% of the total U.S. acreage and accounted for about 90% of the total U.S. production. Respondents reported that bird damage was generally a serious problem in one State, a moderated problem in three States, a slight to moderate problem in seven States, and a slight problem in two States. Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), sparrows (species undetermined), and finches (Carpodacus spp.) were the most important damaging species, but robins (Turdus migratorius), bluebirds (Silia spp.), and waxwings (Bombycilla spp.) were locally important. Exploders, shooting, electronic sound devices, trapping, and various poisons were listed as the most effective and frequently-used control methods, however, most respondents felt that available control methods are inadequate.