Copyright (c) 2013 University of Nebraska - Lincoln All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen Recent documents in Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988) en-us Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:25 PST 3600 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/66 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/66 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 08:20:16 PDT The Conference totalled 401 registered attendees. The wide representation from the United States and from 14 countries throughout the world contributed to the success of the Conference by providing a highly diversified group for the exchange of ideas and information.

]]> http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/65 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/65 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 08:17:47 PDT This brings to an end the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference. Without the speakers and the session chairs, there would not have been a conference. Let us acknowl¬edge them for the excellent job done.

]]> Lewis R. Davis http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/64 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/64 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 08:15:29 PDT We monitored behavior of cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) during a population control program to reduce egret-aircraft strike hazards from a small heronry near the Hilo, Hawaii, airport. Results verified that attempts to move egrets from undesirable roost sites should be undertaken before nesting begins. Although possibly compounded by previous treatments, our observations also indicate that 1) egrets may abandon a new roost in response to a few dead egrets placed in clear view around the roost, and 2) shooting at egrets as they attempt to land at a traditional feeding site causes long-term avoidance of the area. Rapid repopulation after control indicates that techniques to move roosts and prevent congregations are more likely than population control to resolve problems.

]]> David P. Fellows et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/63 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/63 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 08:09:13 PDT Ever since crops have been grown, quelea have been a threat to summer subsistence crops and winter commercial wheat/barley cropping in Zimbabwe. Control techniques spraying toxicant Queletox through ground spray units and aircraft, developed in Zimbabwe, have produced 90% kills keeping the level of depredation down to acceptable levels. Zimbabwe, like most developing countries, faces protein shortages, and utilization of dead quelea by the rural population has always occurred even from sprayed colonies despite repeated warnings of possible side effects. Traditionally quelea have been sold on the black market for 10-20 Zimbabwe cents/bird and recently a far wider potential, even export, has been realized with a potential value increased to 40 cents/bird. Several applications for permits to harvest large numbers have been processed by the Department for export and local consumption provided a suitable method of capturing large numbers could be perfected. The recognition of quelea as a potentially economic renewable resource has intensified research in this area and several mechanical systems have been tried over the years finally culminating in the promising development of the "Impact" trap. The method potentially provides large numbers of uncontaminated quelea for the market. With careful monitoring and the parallel development of the trap roost concept, it is possible this approach could also sufficiently reduce toxic control beneficial to the environment as a whole while providing a source of food and revenue to Zimbabwe.

]]> Mike LaGrange http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/62 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/62 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 08:04:56 PDT The use of biochemical or morphological genetic traits in a crop to protect ripening seeds or grain from bird damage remains a promising tool under certain situations. Research on bird-resistance in crops has focused on grain sorghum, corn, sunflower and rice. This crop protection method involves feeding behavior of granivorous birds and its effectiveness depends on the availability of preferred alternate foods. That is, bird-resistant traits provide protection to the crop when other food choices are readily available; however, when alternate food is scarce or high bird populations create serious feeding competition, they are less effective. Several practical factors (i.e., efficacy expectations, agronomic considerations, and cost-effectiveness) were discussed that should be considered in adopting this bird damage control strategy.

]]> Roger W. Bullard http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/61 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/61 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 08:01:45 PDT Alarm/distress calls of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were evaluated by themselves and in combination with racket bombs to determine their effectiveness in frightening Canada geese from nuisance situations at 2 Corps of Engineers campgrounds in Tennessee. Results based on goose censuses showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in goose numbers from nontreatment to treatment periods at both sites. Goose numbers were reduced an average of 71% when the calls alone were used. The combination of the calls and the racket bombs produced a 96% reduction in goose observations. Although a reduction in geese was observed during the treatment periods, continual harassment would appear to be necessary as reinvasion was noted after treatment was stopped. The scarcity of alternate feeding and loafing sites may have contributed to this lack of long-term control.

]]> Donald F. Mott et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/60 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/60 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 07:56:32 PDT A program to trap and remove shiny cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis) was conducted during two successive passerine nesting seasons at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in eastern Puerto Rico. It sought to improve existing trapping techniques and to determine the effect cowbird removal has on the reproductive success of the endangered yellow-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus). Decoy traps of two basic designs were used to capture 2449 cowbirds in 1162 trap-days (average 2.l/trap-day) in June-September 1985 and 850 cowbirds in 1571 trap-days (average 0.5/trap-day) in March-August 1986. The lower capture rate in 1986 suggests that cowbirds removed in 1985 were not being replaced during the non-trapping period. Trapping data from yellow-shouldered nesting areas in mangrove swamps indicated that cowbird capture rates were significantly higher (P=0.02) for large (14.2-14.8 m3) traps than for smaller (4.2 m3) ones. The effect of cowbird removal on the nesting success of the yellow-shouldered blackbird could not be directly determined because only one nest could be found. Cowbird removal, however, greatly reduced parasitism rates of another parasitized species, the yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia).

]]> Jon F. Heisterberg et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/59 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/59 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 07:51:27 PDT Although not a new idea, using aircraft to control blackbird damage to sunflowers has provided some relief for sunflower growers in North Dakota. The numerous scaring devices and limited frightening agents have not proven effective in controlling blackbird damage to sunflowers. In response to a congressional directive to provide assistance in controlling blackbird/sunflower depredations in North Dakota, a blackbird hazing program was developed. The program utilized fixed-wing aircraft and shooting to expedite the migration of blackbirds through North Dakota.

]]> Larry L. Handegard http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/58 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/58 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 07:48:19 PDT Theoretical concepts from foraging ecology were studied to identify elements of blackbird foraging strategies that may be manipulated to deter blackbirds feeding on rice. Seed-handling time was identified as one such vulnerable element. Consequently, we developed seed coatings for rice that increased handling time per seed, allowed a satisfactory germination rate, and persisted for several days postplanting. Test coats included hydrophilic binders with several starches, clays, plaster of paris and chemical grout in various combinations. Consistent repellency was achieved in feeding trials with captive red-winged blackbirds.

]]> Dennis Daneke et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/57 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/57 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 07:43:56 PDT In spring 1986 and 1987 I examined the relationship between blackbird abundance and sequence of rice planting near a very large roost in southwestern Louisiana to identify factors that contributed to bird damage in newly planted rice fields. Millers Lake, an eutrophic man-made lake of approximately 2,500 ha, attracts a winter roosting population that peaks at 10 to 25 million blackbirds annually. By March and April the roost declines to several thousand birds. Female red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were responsible for most rice seed losses, predominating both the roost and feeding flocks in rice fields in spring. Number of flocking birds in fields decreased with roost size, date of year, and distance from the roost. Surveys corroborated recommended planting practices: planting after 24 March coincides with decreased numbers of blackbirds in rice fields, thus reducing the potential for damage to seeded rice by foraging blackbirds.

]]> Kristin E. Brugger http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/56 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/56 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 07:40:52 PDT The effectiveness of eyespot balloons in discouraging boat-tailed grackle (Ouiscalus major) use of a simulated orange grove was investigated in a series of 4-day trials. The mean distance to the trees of 6-bird experimental flocks was the same with a plain white balloon present as with no balloon. A white balloon with red and black eyespots kept birds at a greater distance from the trees throughout the trial. The presence of a black balloon with orange and yellow eyespots did not repel the birds from the grove. Observations of birds using the area within 1 m of the trees revealed no effect due to the eyespot balloons nor was the number of oranges pecked reduced in the presence of the eyespot balloons. These results were primarily due to a single bird that consistently ignored the white eyespot balloon during the 4-day trial, entered the grove, and avidly pecked the fruit. In combination with other crop protection devices, eyespot balloons may prove effective in deterring bird use of citrus trees.

]]> Michael L. Avery et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/55 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/55 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 07:33:44 PDT The starling is one of the major pest birds in France. During the winter, starlings coming from other parts of Europe gather in the Northwest of France and cause extensive damage in the corn silage distributed to the cattle, by eating and spoiling the grains. As it is impossible to protect the cattle food by physical means in most of the situations, the persons in charge of resolving the problem have chosen to turn towards chemical roost treatments. Between 1980 and 1988, nearly 40 treatments have been carried out on 25 different roosts. The chemical used is CPT (chloro-para-toluidin) applied at the rate of 100 kg per hectare. Water is added to the formulated product and a volume of 1000 liters per hectare of the treatment mixture is applied with a fixed-wing aircraft. Results usually ranged from 30% to 80% of the birds killed. No phytotoxic problems have been reported on the roost sites, and only light wildlife adverse effects are mentioned. Studies are going on with the following points: degradation of CPT in the soil, and reduction of the amount of CPT and/or water without drop of effectiveness.

]]> P. Douville de Franssu et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/54 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/54 Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:47:49 PDT Three bird scaring devices, ultrasonic, visual and sonic, were evaluated for repelling pigeons from inside a vacant building. After 10-30 days of treatment, none of the devices reduced the pigeon population from levels recorded in pre- and posttreatment periods. However, both the visual and sonic devices altered pigeon behavior during their 10-day treatment periods and temporarily reduced the pigeon population during the first 2 days of treatment. The ultrasonic device was completely ineffective; no change in pigeon activity was observed during a 20-day treatment period.

]]> Paul P. Woronecki http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/53 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/53 Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:45:49 PDT Woodpecker damage to electrical distribution poles was monitored in Saline and Pcttis Counties. Damage increased over the four-year monitoring period. There was an increase in both the number of poles damaged and the amount of damage to individual poles. When woodpecker-damaged poles were replaced, the replacement poles proved highly vulnerable to attack. A pole repair and replacement program in Dekalb and Gentry Counties was monitored. The objective was to determine if plastic mesh would effectively protect poles from woodpecker attack and if efficacy could be reliably determined within one year of installation. Plastic mesh failed to provide an acceptable level of protection. It was not possible to get an accurate evaluation of efficacy at the end of one year. Recommendations are made for protecting distribution line poles from damage by woodpeckers.

]]> Lyle A. Stemmerman http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/52 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/52 Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:43:30 PDT A survey of municipalities across the country indicated that pigeons were the most widespread aerial nuisance in urban areas. These were followed in order by: blackbirds, starlings, house sparrows, woodpeckers, crows/ravens, swallows/swifts, waterfowl (Canadian geese, mallards, and coots), and gulls. With somewhat lesser frequency were robins, vultures, raptors, herons/egrets, mockingbirds, waxwings, and monk parakeets. Local bird problems were mostly handled by: USDA-APH1S-ADC, Health Department, City/County Animal Control, Landowner/householder, PCO, State Wildlife Agency, Police Department, and Mayor's office.

]]> William D. Fitzwater http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/51 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/51 Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:40:18 PDT Bait preference studies with red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) in North Dakota sunflower fields indicated that sunflower seeds and a combination of sunflower seeds and chopped corn (MIX) were more successful in producing affected blackbirds, primarily red-winged blackbirds, than pearl barley or chopped corn used separately. A subsequent study compared the effectiveness of commercial Avitrol FC Corn Chops-99S to 4-aminopyridine-treated MIX-99S baits for reducing blackbird damage to ripening sunflower. Both baits significantly reduced damage in fields nearest a blackbird roost (within two miles), but were largely ineffective in fields farther than two miles from a roost. The ramifications of these results are discussed.

]]> C. Edward Knittle et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/50 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/50 Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:36:20 PDT We are living in a day of change. Environmental awareness is a part of our everyday life in a way unprecedented in history. The courts, in their infinite wisdom, have initiated the joint and several liability (deep pocket) rules that make everyone at risk in almost all situations. Bird management programs, by their very nature, are extremely sensitive. Any project, if not evaluated, planned, carried out, and documented properly can result in adverse regulatory agency action, bad publicity, and even fines or lawsuits. Proper photographic documentation can play a vital part in helping to provide the necessary records to help prevent problems and/or defend yourself in case of lawsuit or regulatory action. In the preparation of this paper, we surveyed state pesticide lead agencies, state Department of Conservation (Fish and Wildlife) agencies, some U.S. Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement personnel, and several individuals to get their reaction to and their comments about this concept of supplemental recordkeeping. Of those responding, a majority thought the concept of supplemental photographic recordkeeping would be an asset to individuals and organi¬zations conducting bird management projects.

]]> Charles W. Areson http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/49 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/49 Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:22:23 PDT ABSTRACT: Problems with golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and bald eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus) depredation on livestock in western United States were investigated by surveying Animal Damage Control field personnel. One hundred forty-three individuals from 14 states identified areas where they had observed eagle damage to livestock in the past 10 years. Most field personnel believed golden eagles (both residents and migrants) were the most important species causing livestock depredations. The highest livestock losses to eagles were associated with open range lambing operations. Eagle numbers were reported to be increasing throughout the West, but livestock losses to eagles were staying at about the same level.

]]> Robert L. Phillips et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/48 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/48 Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:16:17 PDT A new device for orally delivering substances to coyotes (Canis latrans) has been under development for approximately 10 years. The development of the coyote lure operative device (CLOD) is described along with some recent field evaluations of the CLOD system. In general, the results of these field tests indicate that the CLOD shows potential and merits further development.

]]> Daniel B. Fagre et al. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/47 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpcthirteen/47 Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:10:46 PDT Over the last twenty-five years, sheep numbers have been declining in Sonoma and Marin Counties at the same time the number of predators has increased. With the removal of most chemical control methods, livestock producers have had to turn to other methods of preventing livestock losses. The objective of this project was to survey livestock producers to determine the levels of predation, type of predator involved, and the management methods being used to reduce these losses. This information is essential to develop a sound extension program to help livestock producers better deal with the predator problem.

]]> Stephanie Larson et al.