Birds can cause severe damage to cymbidium blooms. Nectar feeders are the main problem as they climb on the stems and buds to feed from the nectaries at the base of the flowers. The main form of protection against bird damage is bird proof sheds. This is normally achieved through the use of shade cloth which has a fine enough mesh to also protect against larger insects. Some sheds have roof vents which are difficult to bird proof due to the mechanical arms used to open and close the vents. Sometimes a complete bird mesh ceiling is installed inside the shed to prevent birds getting access from the roof vent to the flower spikes.
Starlings and thrushes in sheds are not normally a problem as they do not feed on the spikes. If they nest in the roof however, droppings can be deposited on flowers directly beneath the alighting areas. Thrushes may often nest amongst the bulbs. However if starlings and thrushes can find their way into and out of the shed then smaller birds probably can too.
Sometimes birds get trapped in a shed by flying in when a door is open. They are not normally able to find their own way out and attempting to shoo them out the door can often result in other birds or insects entering the shed while the door is open.
White eyes are a particular problem and seem to find cymbidium orchids especially attractive. They are however quite cheeky birds and it is often possible to get close enough to them to shoot them with a slug gun (air powered metal pellet). For people with an unsteady hand or poor aim, bird shot in a .22 calibre rifle may be more effective. The shot comes out like a dounut so the most effective killing area is not in the middle of the aim. Peripheral damage from the rifle pellets is however often greater than from the slug gun especially if used near the walls or roof plastic.
Sparrows are also a problem and seem to have a strong aversion to firearms. If there are only limited numbers they can often be caught by a rat trap placed on the ground near a resting area (often a corner of a shed). Wheat is placed on the ground around and on the trap. Traps should be checked regularly as often the birds will be trapped but not killed so need to be put down. Also the traps need to be reset if more birds are to be caught.
We have found that bird scarers using recorded calls from birds of prey are much more effective at frightening staff and visitors than scaring small birds.
A bird repellant that can be applied with a thermal fogger is available commercially. http://www.fruitfed.co.nz/userfiles/files/2012%20Facts/Fruitfed%20Facts_Jan12.pdf
Some cymbidium growers in Northland are trialling this but to date no conclusive results are available. It would only be suitable in situations where birds can find their way into and out of the growing shed (i.e. it will not be effective against birds which fly in through a temporarily opened door).
