4-Aminopyridine baits on baiting lanes protect sunflower fields from blackbirds

Abstract

4-Aminopyridine baits, applied by hand in 6.6-m swaths from baiting lanes, were evaluated in 1981 for protecting ripening sunflower from blackbird damage in six test fields in North Dakota, U.S.A. Paired experimental untreated units lost 4 902 kg of sunflower seed to birds during the 6-day treatment period whereas baited units lost 2 332 kg of seed or 52% less. However, untreated units also had somewhat more damage during pretreatment periods and therefore, based on ratios of pretreatment losses, observed losses on baited units were only 43.3% less than expected. Peak numbers of blackbirds damaging individual fields ranged from 5 000 to 31 000 during the test period. The species composition of feeding flocks was estimated to be 73% red-winged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus), 20% yellow-headed blackbirds ( Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), and 7% common grackles ( Quiscalus quiscula). The estimated kill of 169 blackbirds was similar in composition. However, 30 of 34 birds seen giving distress displays were yellow-headed blackbirds. We found evidence that many red-wings broke the chopped corn baits before consuming them, thereby lengthening response times and contributing to lower bait effectiveness. The benefits of baiting were calculated to be only $1.75 for each $1 of cost (exclusive of labor). Nevertheless, growers would have saved about $25 worth of sunflower seed for each hour spent baiting and creating lanes.