A bird’s eye view: fruit grower interest in adoption of raptor nest boxes

ABSTRACT

Bird damage is a serious problem for many fruit growers. Utilizing nest boxes to attract natural predators of fruit-eating birds is frequently effective in lowering bird damage, as well as increasing fruit marketability. The adoption of a conservation practice, however, depends on a grower’s level of interest. What is the level of interest in nest boxes, and how do growers perceive the influence of natural predators on the farm ecosystem? To answer these questions we conducted an online national survey of cherry and blueberry growers focusing on potential interactions between key farm variables. We found a surprising consistency in perceptions of the functioning of the farm ecosystem and a high level of agreement on how natural predators affect other production factors. Growers typically perceived nest boxes to lower bird damage and pest pressure, and to raise fruit quality and income. They also indicated a significant interest in installing nest boxes, and strong agreement that extension and outreach related to the costs, benefits and timing of implementation of nest boxes would be helpful.

KEYWORDS:

• Bird damage
• raptors
• nest boxes
• natural predators
• ecosystem services
• conservation

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the National Science Foundation which provided funding for this research under Grant #1518366. Thanks also to Dr. Megan Shave and Dr. Catherine Lindell for their research on the effectiveness of nest boxes in the field. Finally, we appreciate the all the aid from growers and other people involved in the blueberry and cherry industries, including MSU research and Extension personnel.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in the openICPSR repository at http://doi.org/10.3886/E112171V2, with the exception of the semi-structured interview data which can be made available upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

Chris Bardenhagen works with his family’s farm which includes cherry production, and as a result is familiar with people involved in the Michigan cherry industry.

Notes

1. Two growers did not report their crop type, and one did not report their location.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [1518366].