I have two almond trees and every year when the nuts are almost ripe, cockatoos come and strip the trees.
This year, these little beggars have beaten the cockies to it-they must like the nuts when they are less mature.
Netting works but any small entry and they will be in. Even on the ground they will walk in. It needs to be done up like Fort Knox. Also you need to lift the netting off the tree with poles. They will push themselves to the almonds and chew the almonds with their beaks pushed through the netting holes.
With Cockatoos I found by scaring them off as soon as they landed, they soon gave it away. Only took 3 or 4 mornings up at dawn scaring them off.
Netting works but any small entry and they will be in. Even on the ground they will walk in. It needs to be done up like Fort Knox. Also you need to lift the netting off the tree with poles. They will push themselves to the almonds and chew the almonds with their beaks pushed through the netting holes
There is another way but its not legal.
Cheers
Marty, I tried netting my fig trees a few years ago, and as you say, the birds go in underneath-I even pegged the nets to the ground and they would still get in
The local cockatoos are so used to humans, they just come straight back if I chase them away.
My brother in law runs the family armond orchards. On some Sundays the peaceful sounds of shot gun shells can be heard ringing about over the constant screech of birds foraging. Last year Tim kill 500 corellas which he has a license to undertake. Some of them sat eating away whilst being run over by a tractor. We have seen plagues of them, so we understand your pain.
Hmmm, what about a scarecrow?
Not a Worzel Gummidge type, I mean a pretend crow to scare off the other birds?
Paul, seriously not the same, fresh off the tree or stale supermarket 'produce of India' (or Pakistan or wherever) almonds? Hmmmmm, tough decision.
I've tried nearly everything, Simon! A friend bought an electronic gadget that emits a high pitched sound beyond human hearing to scare off possums, and he thinks its working on birds as well-maybe I'll try one of those.
I have to net the grapes over the deck even when they are green. Top and bottom. Bloody cat is useless !!
One year I got about 200kg off the vine, next year they beat me to it.
My brother in law runs the family armond orchards. On some Sundays the peaceful sounds of shot gun shells can be heard ringing about over the constant screech of birds foraging. Last year Tim kill 500 corellas which he has a license to undertake. Some of them sat eating away whilst being run over by a tractor. We have seen plagues of them, so we understand your pain.
Hi Paul
I live in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, and when I was growing up, we never saw a cockatoo or any other type of parrot. But with the extended drought of a few years ago, many of these birds migrated to Sydney suburbs and they've stayed-easy meals, I guess
I have to net the grapes over the deck even when they are green. Top and bottom. Bloody cat is useless !!
One year I got about 200kg off the vine, next year they beat me to it.
Birds have a vocabulary. Yes, There are around 20 or more "words".
If you can find a way to imitate, copy or download the "word" for predator present, flee for your lives. It works well. They do not come back until the next day. That's when you play it again. 3 or 4 days and no more will they frequent the tree. Until next season.
To obtain the "word" Its a screeching sound that the birds make. Particularly when a bird is trapped, caught or hurt. Record the sound and play it to them. Its easy enough to record the word. Its a different matter to get a bird to make the sound.
This is not a well known strategy. It is very effective.
Its not necessary to kill so many birds as what many farmers do. Many people who award licenses to farmers are not aware of alternate methods.
It is easy for me to prove it works. I do this sometimes with Seagulls. They are at times so bold and sit on the table. Catch one, it screeches, the rest flee. Let it go and the gulls do not return for the rest of the day.
The shotgun type bird scarer; is not bad but I know how it can be much more effective. Without harming birds ofcourse.
I have had birds inadvertantly become trapped in netting. Had a recorder handy and recorded the screeching while I handled the trapped bird to release it. Next day as they came to feed. Recorded word played and they took off explosively.
Its not legal to intentionally trap protected birds. However you may use netting to protect your crop. If a bird becomes trapped inside you must make an effort to release it. Have welding gloves on. And a recorder handy.
These aerial hot rods are something to behold. First I became aware of there being resident falcon I was in the backyard, when I noticed ALL the birdlife had gone stone silent! I happened to look up when I noticed the falcon soaring above me. Bloody amazing the deathly silence. I now know when one is about when the silence falls.
There's a family of kestrals that hunt in the park across the road from me. They don't register anywhere the same 'concern' from the other birdlife. None really. But the falcons, man oh man...
Laurie, you could try hosing the birds too along with some yelling and carry-on. A few repeated doses may be needed.
Tried one of those owl dummies? I've seen them employed on moored boats and now even Maccas in Sydney is using them to keep the local flying rats out of their place, .
The Falcons are very effective, but its getting a pair to settle in is the problem. The squeal that Falcons emit works as well. Again not easy to acquire.
My experience (of 17 years) has me concluding that fake snakes, owls or hawks only work for a few days. Where upon the flying rats will use fake predators as perches.
The "bird scare call" which the birds interpret as; predator approaching or predator has got me. Is the most effective method and long lasting.
If you can find a dead one. Hang it in the tree. It works for many bird species. I don't know which ones it doesn't. Its effective on Crows. Even a collection of Crow feathers hanging in a tree works on them.
Don't waste your time on fakes. I spent a lot of time learning how to get rid of pest birds. Both native and exotic. The objective was to not harm the natives.
Once you get the recording of the flee call its all you need. Play it and the result is explosive. Often a different species will suffice. It does not need to be the same.
You can trap birds like Starlings, pigeons are useless. Not many other birds have the calls you want, apart from the natives.
I have rescued several fledglings from drowning in the pool. Birds of all species attack me in response to the stress call from the young bird that believes its about to be dinner. Young Noisy Minor screeching in my soft grip, a Magpie Lark (Pee Wee) hits me on the head with its feet. Dozens of birds of several species joined in the meelee.
They try but their efforts are laughable.
So that is how effective it can be, using the bird calls. On an alternate note; I have never tried but I wonder if there is anything downloadable on the net.
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