Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Starlings are here




The Starlings have again arrived creating one of the greatest hazards to the grape industry. These birds are extremely quick, they fly in droves often in the most interesting formations which although are a vision of awe, are they are most destructive where ever they land as they will destroy a grape crop in a matter of second. Local grape growers take many precautionary measures, such as netting the tops or the sides of the grape vines as well as periodically firing off cannons in an effort to ward the starlings away. It's an ongoing battle often lasting until snowfall.


3 comments:

Rob said...

I had no idea the troubles yor wineries go through from ravneous birds. Good luck! DO you have any suggestions for red wines?

Small City Scenes said...

Starlings are just nasty. And to think they were imported from Europe because somebody missed them. Yipes. MB

Jill said...

My Dad who was a lover of all things furry and feathery, used to make derogatory comments toward the Starlings. Now I know why! I know they don't understand the difference between things growing wild and things grown for people. I resorted to hanging old sheets and towels around my little garden to keep the deer out. Hopefully netting will save the vineyards.