Birds

We are not seeing much bird damage this year. There are those who have theories as to why (heat, drought, hurricane winds), but bottom line this is just one less thing to lose sleep over.

Precautionary plans were implemented at the beginning of the month. Over the years we know which grapes (early ripening Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon) and blocks (those at the bottom of Hardscrabble hill) are most attractive to birds.

Our strategy options include four different deterrents depending on the historic severity bird damage. Some are effective, some are perhaps simply therapeutic (to us).

Exclusion netting works best. It is expensive and labor intensive to install. Netting also hinders air flow around the clusters which could contribute to rot should the weather turn wet.

Recorded distress calls blasted out by speakers and powered by a marine battery certainly agitates those of us who work the vines, but after ten years of use, I wonder if the birds now shrug it off.

Same may be true with scare eye balloons. Although they contribute a festive vibe to the vineyard.

Finally, reflective mylar tape strung on wires in certain high-pressure corners gives a disco feel to parts of the vineyard. Constant flashes of light are unsettling enough to us, so maybe the birds also?

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: August 18, 2024