The importance of consulting a bird control professional in these hard times can't be overstated. Growers and farmers are suffering extensive losses from the ravages of pest birds that often strip orchards bare. In California, for example, entire orchards of almonds were routinely stripped clean in a matter of days by roving flocks of crows numbering in the 30 thousands. Since a single crow can consume 30 almonds per day, a good sized flock can devour millions of nuts in a day. California woodpeckers are no less damaging, denuding up to 10 percent of an almond orchard due to their propensity to hoard and store almonds.
In general, the damage caused by pest birds can be separated into three basic categories: disbudding by linnets and other species in the early spring; trunk injuries caused by sapsuckers; and the taking of nuts by crows, jays and woodpeckers. The Western crow, with its aggressive feeding habits, is considered the most ravenous destroyer of orchards. Crows are also difficult to control, since their feeding habits are so erratic, attacking orchards virtually any time of day. All the more reason for consulting a bird control professional.
The direct effect of this kind of bird damage to an almond orchard is partially determined by the value of the damaged and eaten nuts. However, the revenue produced by individual growers supports other industries in the economy. Growers create jobs for shop owners, restaurant staff, police, fire, etc., which must also be taken into account when examining the total economic impact of pest birds.
