A number of local vineyards use sprays, tethered balloons, netting, and other devices this time of year to combat the onslaught of birds picking the grapes. But this year, a vineyard is using cannons to scare the birds away, much to the dismay of neighbors. While I know some vineyards use these devices on the West coast, this is the first I've heard of them being used in Virginia (not saying this IS the first time, just the first I've heard of it).
So, my question is, what is the best practice for deterring birds from the vineyard as grapes ripen?
Well, Boyce....my understanding is netting, though expensive, is by far the most effective.
Cannons are not very effective, according to RichardSauret. Out in Calif, the birds just get used to the noise and continue to feed on the grapes. But, then....I would expect your VA birds to be a lot dumber than the Calif birds!! :-) So the cannons may work back there.
Tom