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| New Developments in Bird Management By Peter McCarthy and Dr Sali Bache
From a product perspective, we have seen a greater range of products that reduces the need for bird managers to construct their own home-made deterrents to solve client issues. The developments outlined during this presentation include: • Ledge deterrents Ledge Deterrents The task of keeping pest birds off ledges is the most common area of bird management. In addition to standard ledges these deterrent are used on any long, narrow stretch such as parapets and column capitals. The key is to using a physical deterrent is to ensure that it covers the ledge thoroughly from front to back. On many occasions we see bird managers protecting the outer edge of the ledge, only to see pest birds gaining access to nest and roost at the rear of the ledge. Most ledge deterrents are developed for larger birds such as pigeons (Columba livia) and seagulls (Larus novaehollandiae) and these are therefore able to be used as a haven for smaller pest birds including sparrows (Passer sp.), swallows (Hirando sp.), starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and Indian mynas (Acridotheres tristis). From our observations, these smaller pest birds often seek refuge from predatory birds between the rows of spikes and even between the spikes themselves. Many of these smaller pest species such as sparrows and swallows are prolific nest builders and create a greater eyesore than the original larger species. Therefore, the addition of new developments such as electric systems, angle systems and specialist spikes are a great coup for bird managers. Electric Ledge Systems – Bird Shock Flex-Track was the first commercially available electric ledge deterrent on the Australian market. The results have been so impressive, others systems are now following. Electric deterrents are generally self-sufficient, using solar power to supply the electric pulse that deters the pest bird from the surface. The electric pulse is high voltage (9.5k or 9,500 volts) and low amperage to ensure that the birds are not harmed. In fact, the birds tend to avoid the area after receiving one or more short pulses of electric current. When installed correctly, electric ledge deterrents will deter all pest bird species – large and small. Systems on a flexible base such as Bird Shock Flex-Track are ideal for curved surfaces such as three dimensional signs, ornate ledges and parapets. Two new developments in 2005 include Bird Repell which is a wire based deterrent and Quick Connections for Bird Shock Flex-Track. The later are innovative attachments to increase the efficiency and speed of installation, saving time and money on the job. Angled Ledge Systems – BirdSlide is a new commercially available angled ledge deterrent introduced to Australia in 2005. For years, many bird managers have had Perspex/poly carbonate fabricated and folded to create a 45 degree angle that ensures that birds cannot land on a ledge. BirdSlide is an angled UV stable plastic strip that connects the front of the ledge to the back wall of the ledge. Birds literally slide of the ledge as they are unable gain a grip. This solution is therefore suitable for all pest birds – large and small. Bird Spikes – There are now numerous versions and brands of birds spikes on the market. Hence, the new development in 2005 is the range of choice available to Australian bird managers. Bird spikes are available in narrow, wide and extra wide and each have their own place for various purposes. Narrow spikes (65mm) are ideal for narrow ledges and the base of RSJ’s (I-beams), wide spikes (125mm) are the industry standard and used on most ledges, and extra wide spikes (200mm) are ideal for wide ledges or to limit the need for multiple rows of spikes saving time, adhesive and labour. Specialist adhesives – There are several specialist adhesives designed for bird deterrents now available. Examples include Bird Barrier Bond, Avisil and Stixx Fixx. These products have several important characteristics include neutral curing, drying flexible, UV stability and adhering materials in difficult conditions. It is very important for bird managers not to use standard silicones or construction glues (such as liquid nails). Standard silicones are sealants and not bonding agents and therefore will not adhere materials such as bird spikes to building ledges for extended periods. Construction glues tend to dry brittle and are not UV stable and therefore release spikes from the building. The heating and cooling of the building surface causes expansion and contraction and brittle adhesives, particularly those affected by the damaging effects of the sun’s UV light, will release the spikes off the building. Naturally, this is a disaster affecting the integrity of the installation as well as the safety of those beneath the ledge. We have witnessed spike release within six months of installation, therefore choose your adhesives carefully! Trapping Systems The common Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis) is listed among the IUCN’s 100 “world’s worst” invasive species, and has been assigned an “Extreme” threat category for Australia (Bomford, 2003). It has quickly become a major pest throughout most of Australia. The Indian myna become a nusance in domestic situations due to their significant numbers resulting in noise and mess, however, their ability to displace native species of bird is a major concern for many homeowners. Their growing numbers in the streetscapes of most Australian towns and city centres has become a major issue for businesses, consumers and the government. With the exception of incubating females mynas spend the night at communal roosts, at time in excess of 1000 birds (Hails 1985). To date, bird managers have had limited success in managing populations of Indian mynas. Mynas are a very intelligent group of birds and therefore trapping, shooting, poisoning and most exclusion systems have offered minimal success. To date management practices have focused on habitat modification, resource limitation and public education (ISSG, 2005). Of great excitement and anticipation to the pest management and allied industries is the recent development of a new tool in bird management, specifically and scientifically designed for Indian mynas. The culmination of 5 years of university research, the new trap combines a very specific capture technique with a range of unique and patented features. Australian bird managers will now enjoy some success in trapping Indian mynas. Examples of these features include: • Two chambers in the trap – the entry chamber and the holding
chamber. These and additional features combine to offer promise in the management of this environmentally distructive pest bird. Integral to the success of the trap are the techniques applied by the pest manager in the use of the device. Myna’s are active during the daytime and so pest managers cannot service the trap during daylight hours. Indian mynas are very suspicious and it may take months for pest bird managers to regain trust from the birds if they witness human interaction. The new Myna trap also offers bird managers a new tool for revenue from domestic and commercial clients. Setting up trapping programs on a regular basis will increase the return and profitability gleaned from domestic accounts that are traditionally visited only on an annual basis. Scare deterrents Over the past decade we have seen ultrasonic and sonic devices come and go from the Australian market, all with very limited success. Those scare deterrents that have been successful have been those systems that combine physical and visual movement with noise, or those that use the same alert or distress call as the pest species to be managed. Examples of new developments in bird scaring include the scare streamer and MP3 technology. Scare Streamer is a new scare unit that has an adjustable movement detector attached to a water sprinkler. As birds (or other animals including dogs, cats, possums and annoying neighbours) move into a 10m x 15m range, the sprinkler connected to a standard garden hose blasts water over the area. The sound of the unit, combined with the sight of the water sends bird scurrying from the area. The Scare Streamer is ideal for ducks in ponds, domestic pools and other pest bird species in backyards. MP3 Technology – New forms of sound media can be used by bird managers in deterring birds via alert/distress calls. MP3 units are small and compact and easier to use in a water proof container in outdoor areas. As opposed to audio tape that uses many moving and wearing parts, MP3 is also a more durable medium. Crow, seagull, and other distress calls are available with more species to be added to the list. Rail Deterrents In the past, in order to proof railings and balustrades bird managers have relied on stainless steel post and wire systems that are welded to worm “Utilux” clamps. The nylon coated stainless steel wire tensioned between the posts keeps larger pest birds such as pigeons and seagulls off the railing. However, if the rail is a balustrade or a balcony then a permanent system is generally not desirable. Bird Wire RailGuard is a new development for 2005. RailGuard uses the same idea, but replaces the rigid post with a folding clamp. The strands can be moved into place to keep birds off the rail, then folded down when the rail, balcony or balustrade is to be used. The system is supplied in a kit form and is easy and fast to install. Netting Systems In most cases, exclusion systems such as netting are the only way to keep birds off or out of an area. This is particularly important for nesting and roosting areas of populations of pest birds where bird pressure is high. The new developments for 2005 are the broad range of new fittings and fixtures for attaching stainless steel cable to almost every construction situation. Commercially available fittings reduce and even eliminate the need to trawl through hardware outlets and metal fabricators to find the fitting needed. Another new development is the number of pest managers Australia-wide
now installing professional netting and cable systems for food production,
government, commercial, industrial and retail buildings. Installations
range from a few thousand dollars to large hundred thousand dollar plus
projects. Bird managers now have support and training available from suppliers
of netting systems. Training is now available in the form of group class
room style sessions, DVD installation which is proving popular, training
manuals and the ultimate training – on-site training, installation
and demonstration. The later is the key to the success of installations
for those new to modern, sophisticated netting systems. The Ramset CableMaster is a new propane powered tool that fires specific pins into masonry and steal (RSJ beams and C-channels). This allows for the use of less expensive fittings and for them to be installed faster and more efficiently, thus saving money, labour and time. The Pneumatic Net Ring Tool has recently been upgraded to a new model. The manual hand net ring tools are a somewhat frustrating and painful tool to use, especially on large installations. The pneumatic version eliminates the wrist pain and speeds up the process. The pneumatic net ring tool is also “front firing” – as opposed to the side firing manual tool – allowing net rings to be attached to the cable and net in tighter spaces. The net rings are in cartridges of 100, not 50 and are actually cheaper than the manual version. Again, faster and cheaper installations are the result. Market forces and future trends There are a number of promising trends that are being witnessed by the modern bird management industry. Briefly these include:
There are more products and systems in development specifically for bird managers in Australia. It is important to keep abreast of emergent new developments so as to be aware of new ways in which to further improve pest managers’ ability to humanely manage disease carrying, nuisance pest bird species. Reference:
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