-5- 



their effectiveness as time went on. 



The initial success with the stationary hawks led me to believe that if one 

 could be simulated in flight, a satisfactory deterrent might be the outcome. A 

 full size motor driven hawk decoy was erected over and around a small blueberry 

 planting with a circumference of 300 feet. When completed however, its effective- 

 ness could not be determined due to a late season lack of birds and malfunction 

 of the apparatus. 



Another apparatus which has shown promise is the "bird snapper", a device in 

 which an electric current jumps a gap between two parallel wires, causing a loud 

 snap. A serious drawback in its use is that it causes radio interference in nearby 

 homes. When this radio interference is a problem, the bird snapper is being used 

 without the snapping effect. Where formerly an electric current jumped a gap be- 

 tween the 2 parallel wires at predetermined points, now the wires have been sepa- 

 rated equally. And whereas in the snapper it was the noise which kept the birds 

 away, in the latter, it is an electric shock which occurs when a bird lights on 

 the wires. This apparatus is now being used by two growers with apparent satisfaction. 



Earlier mention was made of complete enclosure of the planting. One material 

 used for this is chicken wire and though it is very durable, its cost is prohibitive. 

 Tobacco cloth is also effective but is not durable. Another material is "Protect-0- 

 Net", formerly called "Lenonet", which is a twisted paper netting of %" mesh. The 

 cost of erection of "Protect-0-Net" over one acre is approximately $1,000. While 

 the initial cost is high, projected tests have shown that the netting should last 

 about seven growing seasons with reasonable handling care. A fourth material that 

 might prove satisfactory for covering a crop is a new product called "Vexar" plastic 

 netting. However, this product is still in the experimental stage. It is a poly- 

 ethylene which is extended directly into a mesh or netting. It is flexible, chemi- 

 cally inert and has a high resistance to rot, moisture and mildew. No standard line 

 has been established. The company claims they are prepared to manufacture products 

 to their customer's specifications within limits of course. 



In summary, the bird problem is a very complex one involving not only birds 

 and crops but also a public relations problem. Based on a wealth of negative know- 

 ledge accumulated during the past four years, solution of this problem points strongly 

 toward total enclosure of the crop involved. 



I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 



APPLE STORAGE SEMINAR 



A Controlled Atmosphere Seminar has been an annual event at the University 

 of Massachusetts for the last two years. The seminars have helped to increase 

 grower understanding of CA Storage Management and Construction. However, the 

 Controlled Atmosphere Storage Seminar Committee feels that the scope of program 

 should be enlarged to include construction and management problems of both, CA 

 and Regular Refrigerated Storages. It is our opinion that the program being 

 planned will be of interest to all operators of apple storages. 



The Apple Storage Seminar will be held at the University of Massachusetts on 

 April 21st, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. 



