Cost-effectiveness of scaring brent geese Branta b. bernicla from fields of arable crops by a human bird scarer

Abstract

Brent geese were cost-effectively scared from fields of arable crops (winter wheat and oil-seed rape), in two consecutive winters, by a full-time human bird scarer. The intensity and duration of grazing by geese on winter crops was reduced compared with that of previous years when conventional scaring was used or coloured tapes were suspended over the crops. The geese rarely attempted to visit the wheat fields after one month of intensive disturbance by the human bird scarer, except during a period of exceptionally harsh weather during winter 1990–1991. Brent geese scared from the wheat fields grazed instead on nearby grass pastures. The availability of an alternative feeding area where the geese could graze undisturbed is essential if such effective scaring is to be successful.