Learn innovative methods for managing bird and vertebrate pests in vineyards. Bart Haycraft (Jackson Family Wines) and falconer Pogerof Scott discuss using falconry to deter birds. Chad Foster (Maverick Farming) shares his use of an autonomous bird laser deterrent. Kevin Garcia Lopez and Sarah Lord (Cal Poly) will present their barn owl research, focusing on nest box occupancy and how changes in vineyard habitat affect foraging behavior. The event will feature a live falconry demonstration and give attendees the opportunity to view a bird laser, including the autonomous bird laser deterrent system. Speakers: Bart Haycraft, Jackson Family Wines Pogerof Scott, Falconer Chad Foster, Maverick Farming  Joseph Traut, Cypress Agritech Graham Evans, Cypress Agritech Riley Boylan, Cypress Agritech Kevin Garcia Lopez, Cal Poly Sarah Lord, Cal Poly CE Approved: DPR 2 - O; CCA 2 - IPM

Viticulturists in California's Central and North Coasts predict a delayed harvest this year due to the cold, rainy spring. This postponement poses a potential threat to the grape crop, leaving it vulnerable to challenges from autumn rains, cooler temperatures, and smoke taint from wildfires.  The delay does, however, provide grape growers with more time to prepare for a persistent challenge to wine grapes – bird damage. The critical moment is after bud break and before veraison when vineyards become prime targets for birds searching for food and a place to roost. "The time to act is when the sugar content begins to rise and attract the birds," asserts Dave Crockett of Kenwood's The Dirt Farmer, vineyard services company. "Once the birds are drawn in, there's nothing you can do to deter them. The key is to prevent them from noticing the ripening grapes in the fields below. With this year's harvest delayed by one to four weeks, there's st