I predict that from late October into February there will be significant damage caused by ravenous flocks of hungry birds feasting on a smorgasbord of juicy cherries.
I also predict that it will be the worst that we have seen for some time.
I make these predictions because of what has happened over the past few years. Cherry orchards were largely left alone by birds last season for two key reasons.
The first was the presence of plague locusts on the mainland—birds that seasonally feed on cherries had a change of diet last season and fed mainly on locusts.
The second reason is the loss of bird populations due to the devastating bush fires of 2009.
This year is different and bird numbers are again increasing.
Smart growers prepare
In Tasmania the smarter growers (or those who could afford it), erected netting to protect their valuable crops from starlings that would flock and devour any block of cherries within flying distance.
Other proven deterrents are well known. One requires firearm registration (and possibly a permit from the state branch of the Dept of Natural Resources), along with proper care and due diligence.
Another requires the purchase or hire of a unit that makes noises such as scare guns, recorded bird calls and so on.
These units can often be moved around the orchard to help protect the varieties most at risk.
Unfortunately there may be limitations such as local government requirements regarding noise—particularly outside daylight hours or even council working hours. Penalties may apply to breaches of a local government Act.
Protect your income
Neighbouring property owners within earshot, and perhaps your local councillor, may need to understand that your business creates employment and exports, and that it is important to the local economy of the area.
The cherries that you grow have cost a lot of time and money to get to this point—do not lose this opportunity to do whatever you can to protect your income.
Are you at risk this season from bird damage? Have the holes in the net been repaired? Do you have a plan of action? If not, why not?
For more information, see the November 2011 issue of Tree Fruit
