Starling ‘fingerprints’ studied B


By Judie Steeves


y determining isotopic signatures from feather samples, it is possible to trace the origin of starlings who flock to devour fruit at harvest time. Armed


with that information, it might be easier to reduce the numbers of the agricultural pest, according to Tom Dickinson, an ornithologist from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.


He describes the signature as “like a fingerprint,” which can even identify whether the bird is from one region or another in the province.


Stable isotopes such as nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen are picked up from their environment when they are young birds and can help identify where that was, Dickinson explains. He will use the feathers of birds to build a library of such “fingerprints” to help identify the origins of various starlings. Flocks of European Starlings can decimate a farm’s crop in hours, destroying a year’s work just as it matures and is ready to harvest.


Thousands have been trapped and euthanized in the Okanagan during the past few years.


Because it is the winter population of starlings that is increasing in B.C., Dickinson believes the birds might be migrating here from other geographic areas such as Alberta. Ironically, starlings tend to nest in structures rather than on farms or in the wild, so Dickinson says a quick count of starling nesting areas in Kamloops revealed that 80 per cent of them were in government buildings.


They were introduced to North America in Central Park in New York City in 1890, but today there are an estimated 200 million on this continent. Starlings are now listed on the World Conservation Union list of 100 worst invasive species. Ridding this ecosystem of one female starling during the


nesting period can rid it of 11 of the non-native birds. Sometimes, Dickinson said, starlings can have four clutches of eggs in a season. They force native species of birds out of their habitat and out-compete them for feed. They also carry disease and insect pests.


A program to trap starlings has been supported financially by all three Okanagan regional districts as well as Thompson Rivers University, the Agriculture Environment Partnership Initiative, the Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative, B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, Okanagan Kootenay Cherrry Growers’ Association, B.C. Grapegrowers’ Association, B.C. Milk Producers’ Association and B.C. Cattle Feeders’ Association. Dickinson reported that he has worked with trappers to keep precise, standardized records to be used in developing an index of populations, to help build a library of these signatures with which to help identify the source of problem birds. Farmers use a variety of methods of discouraging the birds from destroying crops now, including scaring them with noise cannons and mechanized birds of prey, netting crops or even hiring falconers to scare starlings away with predators. However, some of those methods are extremely controversial, particularly the use of cannons, which neighbours complain are too noisy and intrusive.


Variety is best approach with bird-scare tactics By Judie Steeves


to minimize noise impact on neighbours.


T


he Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act protects farmers from neighbour


complaints about odour, noise and dust, within certain parameters.


Scare tactics used to keep birds away from crops in the South Coast area of B.C. include propane-fired cannons, broadcasting sounds designed to unsettle birds, using shell launchers with screechers and bangers, using motorcycles and vehicles, and using people to clap or make noise to disturb birds away from crops.


There are also visual devices such as inflated predators or kites, scarecrows and mylar tape.


Itís recommended that a variety of tactics be used to protect crops, while monitoring bird activity.


The agriculture ministry has drawn up a set of guidelines to help reduce the impacts audible devices have on neighbours and recommends such devices only be used when there is a problem, and only between dawn and dusk. All such devices should be placed


Farmers should first complete a Bird Predation Management Plan including monitoring bird activity on the property to help them minimize the use of the device and avoid allowing birds to become habituated to it. Someone should be assigned to ensure the device is functioning properly, that bird activity justifies use of a cannon and to ensure itís not operated outside the permitted hours.


Farms should only operate them between 6:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., and use as few of them as possible with a maximum of one per two hectares of farmland.


At least every four days, they should be relocated and always so they are pointed away from neighbouring residences and roadways. For details, go to:


www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/fppa/ refguide/activity/870218-59_ Wildlife_Damage_South_BC.pdf


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