Flashing lights to scare birds

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32971, 18 July 1972, Page 14

Flashing lights to scare birds

The North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society is investigating the cost and availability of flashing lights for the disturbance of birds on farm crops.

The society will purchase two additional scare guns. It was reported to the society’s last council meeting that tests with, the flashing lights at night had proved successful. The lights can

last for 12 days, 24 hours a day, on one set of batteries.

One of the main reasons the society is seeking a reappraisal of the use of its equipment is the recent change in status of Canada geese. Federated Farmers have now agreed to Canada geese being placed on the game bird list for a trial period of three years. Legislation will

soon be drawn up. It is not known, however, what open season the species will have. Mr Barker said the society had assured the department that it would do all it could to ensure crops were still adequately protected in spite of the change of status of Canada geese. The geese were not persistent offenders, but it was best to be prepared if trouble arose, .he said. Once the society is notified of bird damage to crops, rangers set up the equipment in the affected area. Early notification by farmers would be of great assistance to the rangers, Mr Barker said.