Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Monk Parakeet And New Jersey Agriculture, Charles A. Wagg

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Parrots and parakeets have been brought into the United States for as long as our sailors have sailed to the distant tropics. In more recent years, the keeping of exotic pets increased to almost fad proportions. The pet shops and importers have kept the United States supplied with a vast array of these species. Among them is the Monk Parakeet. Large numbers of Monk Parakeets have been imported to satisfy the demand for parrot-like birds. The largest percentage of these birds went to pet stores and ultimately ended up in homes as pets. Unfortunately, some of these birds were released …

Night Flight Across A Blue Sky: Prognostics, Robert H. Giles Jr.

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

The purpose of this presentation is to gain new perspectives on pest control and related phenomena. Some will call it “blue sky.” I would claim it informal futuristics. Systems men call such efforts feedforward; others grandify it with “prognostics.” Some say prognostics is one of the leading challenges of the day. We must anticipate future developments and imagine or invent new alternatives as a background for rational choice. The activity can influence today’s decisions, modify our concepts of risks and probable payoffs, and can help those of us who ask: “What am I really doing; what should I be doing?”

Plant-Animal Interactions: The Effects Of Redwinged Blackbirds On Corn Growth, Melvin I. Dyer

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) in agricultural crops likely create the worst possible images in the minds of various segments of our society today. To some there is only repulsion, which results in desire for total annihilation of Red-wings (by many agriculturists); while to others there is only attraction, which results in desire to leave the situation absolutely alone (by conservancy minded purists). The great middle ground includes those who vascillate back and forth, between these extremes, those who are not cognizant of the problems, and those that do not care. This picture apparently is a common problem for our wildlife …

A Program For Developing Male Chemosterilants For Red-Winged Blackbirds, Joseph L. Guarino, Edward W. Schafer Jr.

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are one of the primary species of birds contributing to agricultural damage throughout the United States. Methods have been developed for reducing the damage they cause to ripening corn (De Grazio et al. 1971; 1972), sprouting corn (Stickley and Guarino, 1972), ripening rice (DeHaven et al. 1971), and windrowed peanuts (Mott et al. 1972). These methods frighten or repel Redwings from crops; however, in some situations, techniques are also needed to manage specific problem-bird populations by reducing their numbers. At present, the primary methods for reducing large numbers of problem birds involve the use of chemical …

Population Estimates, Thomas Stockdale

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

In dealing with population estimates, we need to determine first the reason for estimating the population. If we are dealing with a local situation, are we concerned with a local estimate? If we are dealing with a regional problem, are we concerned with a regional estimate? The blackbird problem is chiefly a regional problem, but we need to look at broader horizons than just local or regional situations. Are we dealing with a national problem? Is this problem a year-round one or is it a seasonal problem? We may want to know just purely the number of birds we are …

Registered Participants -- Sixth Bird Control Seminar 1973

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Winter Populations, Robert A. Pierce

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

I imagine we in Arkansas have more bird roosts than any other state in the nation. I think we could find 50 bird roosts this winter that have a million or more birds in each of them. Our problem is that we have these birds sitting in the wrong place; and we, along with the Wildlife Services people, have worked pretty hard on developing a technique for moving birds from where there are a lot of people to where there are very few people.

Aerially Applied Methiocarb Spray For Protecting Wild Lowbush Blueberries From Birds, Rene M. Bollengier, Joseph L. Guarino, Charles P. Stone

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Ripening blueberries are subject to serious damage by a variety of bird species. Through a questionnaire survey, Pearson (1958) calculated that losses of highbush blueberries to birds in Massachusetts averaged about $38,000 a year in 1955-57. From a 1972 questionnaire on bird damage to highbush blueberries directed to individuals in 14 states, Mott and Stone (1973) estimated that birds damaged at least 5% of the crop, representing a minimum nationwide loss of about $1.6 million. Most species of birds that feed on blueberries are not only desirable but also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaties Act. Any means of reducing …

Damage Surveys In Ohio And Michigan, Richard O. Winters

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Blackbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds in particular, have caused millions of dollars worth of damage to corn crops in Ohio and Michigan and throughout the country. Concentrated efforts to estimate and document the damage in Ohio and Michigan were initiated in the fall of 1966. Besides yielding an annual estimate of blackbird damage, it was hoped that the survey would eventually be held to establish the effectiveness of control efforts, particularly the use of Avitrol. However, the large variability inherent in the damage sampling procedure has precluded documentation of changes in the amount of damage due to control efforts. In order to …

Hopper Box Treatment Of Corn Seed With Methiocarb For Protecting Sprouts From Birds, Charles R. Ingram, Robert T. Mitchell, Allen R. Stickley Jr.

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Methiocarb [3,5-dimethyl-4-(methylthio)phenol methylcarbamate = R Mesurol1] showed promise as a bird repellent for protecting crops in 1964, when field tests in South Dakota indicated reduced pheasant damage to sprouting corn (West et al., 1969). Stickley and Guarino (1972) then showed marked reduction of blackbird damage to sprouting corn in South Carolina when methiocarb in a water slurry formulation was used as a seed treatment at the 0.5-percent level by weight of seed. Our test, in 1973, was conducted to determine the repellent efficacy of methiocarb on sprouting field corn when the powdered chemical is placed directly in the planter hopper …

Bird Damage To Agricultural Crops In The United States -- A Current Summary, Charles P. Stone

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Determination of the importance and distribution of bird damage to agricultural crops in the United States has been emphasized by the Section of Birds at the Denver Wildlife Research Center in recent years. Our studies can be placed in two general categories: (1) For some crops we have conducted statistically designed quantitative field surveys to determine bird damage and have extrapolated from test plot data, and (2) for other crops we have directed questionnaires to persons knowledgeable about bird damage. Questionnaire surveys are obviously subjective and are biased to an unknown degree, but for some crops there is no reasonable …

Avitrol 1973, Richard O. Winters

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

The Federal Registration for Avitrol to be used in standing field corn restricts use to application under supervision of Governmental agencies trained in bird control. The majority of current Avitrol labels state, "For use by or under supervision of government agencies or pest control operators. Not for sale to the public." This slight difference has already caused much discussion and the matter isn't resolved yet. There are different interpretations of this statement. Also for crops the material is only registered for field corn. There is a need for the material to be registered for sweet corn and sunflowers, although I …

Insurance, Gary Missigman

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

I would like to relate the coverages under your general liability policy to some of the losses that can occur in your business. Specifically, I would like to look at coverages that you should have under your comprehensive general liability policy and how they relate to you on the types of claims that may arise.

Epa Registration And Licensing, Len P. Quattrochi, John R. Beck

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Originally we had the old Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) which involved Health, Education and Welfare, Interior, Food and Drug Administration but was administered by USDA. This has been changed by the passage of the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act (FEPCA). Now in certain cases you will find that EPA is working through the States under the FEPCA law to develop policy. You will find EPA and the amended FIFRA will play a very important role in your business for several years.

Application Of An Avian Bioenergetics Simulation Model To Red-Winged Blackbird - Crop Relations, John A. Wiens, Melvin I. Dyer

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

The impact of bird populations upon the properties or processes of ecosystems is mediated through patterns and magnitudes of energy flow. This impact may be either direct, by processing of large quantities of energy or nutrients, or indirect, through feedback control of other ecosystem rate processes or components. In either case, however, the impact is a result of the population dynamics and the pattern and magnitude of food consumption of the birds. Recent research by several groups points to a relatively small direct impact on birds on most natural ecosystems (Wiens 1973). Impact through feedback control, a more difficult relationship …

Investigation Of Bird Migration And Mortality At The Omega Navigation Station, Lamoure, North Dakota: Fall 1972 And Spring 1973, Michael L. Avery, Paul F. Springer

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

An investigation of bird migration and mortality at the U.S. Coast Gaurd’s Omega Navigation Station, located in the flood plain of the James River near LaMoure, North Dakota, began in September 1971 following the completion there of the 1,200-foot transmitting tower. The objectives of the study are: 1. To determine the nature of bird migration through the tower area and adjacent regions. 2. To determine the magnitude of bird losses caused by the tower. 3. To determine the influence of weather patterns on bird migration and losses. 4. To develop and evaluate methods for reducing bird losses at towers. This …

Impact Of Cooling Towers On Bird Migration, Edward J. Rybak, William B. Jackson, Stephen H. Vessey

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Construction of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station on the SE shore of Lake Erie near Port Clinton, Ohio brings a massive, natural draft cooling tower (495 ft. high and 410 ft. wide at base) into migration pathways. Preoperational observations were undertaken to determine whether conditions existed under which the station structures intercepted migrating birds. Preliminary observations were made at the site (Fig. 1) in the fall of 1972 and intensified during the spring and fall migrations of 1973. Construction on the shell of the cooling tower was not completed until late in 1972; thus the full height had not been …

Use Of Plastic Netting, John T. Stucky

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Conwed Plastic Division was approached two years ago regarding the use of plastic netting as a means of keeping birds from feeding in vineyards and other fruit crops. As a result of working with various interested people on the west coast, we developed a black pigmented, ultraviolet light (sunlight) stabilized netting. This netting maximizes the resistance against sunlight exposure and has very good tensile strength. The following demonstrates what individual farmers have achieved using Conwed Plastic Bird Control Netting.

Use Of Perches At Refinery Sites, J. J. Dill

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

I was listed to speak about bird control on industrial sites, so I have selected three or four of the more interesting jobs that we have worked on over the past ten years. Naturally the ones that the pest control firms call us about are those that they have tackled from several different angles and been unable to solve. As a result of this, we have had several really interesting bird control jobs in conjunction with pest control firms. I think each one of them will point out different problems and ways to solve them. The first of the jobs …

The Effect Of Intense Light On Bird Behavior And Physiology, Sheldon Lustick

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

It has been known for centuries that light (photoperiod) is possibly the major environmental stimuli affecting bird behavior and physiology. The length of the light period stimulates the breeding cycle, migration, fat deposition, and molt in most species of birds. Therefore, it is only natural that one would think of using light as a means of bird control. In fact, light has already been used as a bird control; flood-light traps have been used to trap blackbirds (Meanley 1971); Meanley states that 2000-W search lights have been used to alleviate depredation by ducks in rice fields. Pulsing light is already …

“Where Are We?”, C. Douglas Mampe

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

The subject I have been asked to speak on is “Where Are We?” As I assess it, I think that we, those who are using bird management agents and methods, Federal, State, and other agencies representing research, extension and regulatory, and manufacturers of agents used in bird management, are standing in the middle of a busy intersection and the light has just turned yellow. Some of us have tape across our mouths and cotton stuck in our ears. I think that we have arrived at this intersection in a number of different ways. Some of us have taken separate paths, …

Where Are We In Bird Control The Urban Scene, C. W. Marshall

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Four (4) major bird control methods are presently registered: (1) Bird repellents (2) Stomach distress repellents (3) Contact poisons (4) Stomach poisons Seven hundred and sixty seven (767) companies out of 1800 NPCA members indicate they are engaged in bird control. This number will undoubtedly grow for birds do constitute a health, economic and nuisance problem. The amended FIFRA Act will undoubtedly have an effect on bird control methods. More restrictions will probably be placed on such poisonous materials as endrin and strychnine. If endrin is allowable, “perch” use will be the only methods, strychnine will probably be greatly restricted. …

A Field Test Of Methiocarb Efficacy In Reducing Bird Damage To Michigan Blueberries, Richard A. Dolbeer, Charles R. Ingram, Allen R. Stickley Jr.

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Over 20,000 acres of highbush (cultivated) blueberries are grown in the United States (Johnston et al. 1969). The major producing states are Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, Indiana, and Oregon. Bird damage to blueberries is widespread and sometimes severe (Vaile and Moore, 1968; Pearson, 1958; Hayne and Cardinell, 1949; and Schwartze and Alcorn, 1960). Unfortunately, accurate estimates of less from birds are lacking. Non-lethal methods of controlling bird damage are essential since much of the damage is caused by popular song birds protected by Federal law. Scare devices, including exploders and electronic broadcast alarms, are often used with variable …

Agricultural Scene, Thomas Stockdale

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

I feel it would be interesting to examine another agricultural statistic to see whether the birds have had any influence on the agriculturists in Ohio with respect to what crops they plant. It is interesting to note that in 1960 we had about 3,383,000 acres of corn grown for grain in the state. That acreage has remained relatively constant. A low point was reached in 1969. The 1969 crop year here in Ohio was an extremely wet season; therefore there was difficulty in getting the crop planted in the spring of the year and difficulty getting the crop harvested in …

Pest Bird Control In And Around Food Processing Plants, Jerry W. Keown

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

When a food product arrives at a food processing plant or a food warehouse, an additional element of concern is introduced. Under the Federal Food Drug Cosmetic Act, Chapter IV, "Food", Section 402, describes "Adulterated Food" as under A3, if it consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, etc. A4, if it has been prepared, packed or held under unsanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, etc. Pest birds living in or on the exterior of a food plant are there- fore just as great a concern to food plant operators …

Madam Saga - An Approach To An Animal Damage Problem, William D. Fitzwater

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

While human tinkering with the zoogeographical distribution of lower animals sometimes pays dividends, more often it opens up Pandora's box. Such is the case of the Weaver Finch family. This group of birds is characterized by its colonial habits, granivorous appetite which often counters man's best interests, and elaborate nest structures. The House Sparrow (passer domesticus) is a notable exception of the latter trait as its nests look like a Picasso interpretation of an Afro wig. Weaver Finches originated in Africa. Here they are found in their most numerous forms. The Quelea quelea in flocks of several million compete seriously …

The Effects Of Fenthion On A Nesting Population Of Quelea During Experimental Control By Aerial Spraying, Jeffrey J. Jackson, Peter O. Park

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Quelea quelea is probably the most important avian pest of cereal crops in the sahelian areas of Africa. Its depredations reduce the cereal production of many African nations that lie within its range. To prevent this damage, bird control organizations carry out campaigns to reduce their numbers. Frequently these efforts have given poor crop protection for the cost of control because of inadequate control technology. Factors contributing to the difficulty of carrying out this kind of control are the migrations of the birds which are still incompletely understood, the inaccessability of many nesting areas, the relatively high reproductive potential of …

Proceedings: Sixth Bird Control Seminar -- Frontmatter & Contents

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

Sponsored by the Environmental Studies Center Bowling Green State University with the assistance of Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Pest Control Association Elizabeth, New Jersey

Dr. William B. Jackson, Conference Chairman

Harold N. Cones, Jr., Conference Assistant

Harold N. Cones, Jr. and William B. Jackson, Editors

Where Are We? - National Scene, Richard N. Smith

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

When the question is asked, “Where are we?”, we must compare our progress to where we were in the past or to a goal of the future. When we do this, it is apparent that much has been accomplished during the past ten years, however, the goal of alleviating bird damage to all agricultural crops has not yet been met. We have developed methods to combat crop losses (Avitrol, scaring devices), we know more about bird population dynamics, more about bird behavior and physiology. Yet, there is much more to accomplish, for we have a number of bird crop damage …

Agricultural Scene, Charles P. Stone

Bird Control Seminars Proceedings

It has been suggested that our approach to agricultural bird problems is perhaps wrong, and I feel it would be valuable to ask several individuals to give their ideas as to where their programs are heading right now. I would first like to ask Jerry Besser, the Chief of the Bird Section of the Denver Wildlife Center, to give just a brief statement as to where they are now. BESSER: Most of our efforts are being channelled into the agricul- tural area on a broad scale. Many of the problems are national ones. We can put our finger on the …