bird control
Abatement Falconry Business Models
Learn more about Abatement Falconry Business Models and how the falconer and grower mutually benefit because bird abatement finances.
Abatement Falconry using a single falconer
Two of the growers interviewed for this project have had experience using a single abatement falconer:
Grower A (learn more below) found a knowledgeable, well-trained abatement falconer at a fairly low price and continues to have success working with this person. The falconer and grower mutually benefit because bird abatement finances the falconer’s primary interest- falconry for sport and leisure. This situation is unique, but can be a highly effective partnership if a grower and falconer are lucky enough to come by one. The cost is approximately $300 a day.
Grower B (learn more below) fired his falconer after one week. Several years ago Grower B was approached by someone from California who claimed to have abatement experience. The grower agreed to pay him by splitting the cost between three other growers, which came to about $75 per grower per day for bird management. Within a week, the falconer had lost his bird and spent a good portion of the day trying to hunt it down. Dissatisfied, Grower B now uses a combination of other bird abatement methods that he considers more effective.
Several growers sharing a single falconer or several falconers
Two types of companies using this method were evaluated for this project- one using a co-operative model, where several growers split the cost of abatement falconry, and one where several growers split the cost of abatement falconry, but the falconer only enters the field if there is significant pest bird threat.
Look at Co-operatives as a model that has the potential to be successful given the right conditions, including: the right geography, a knowledgeable and trustworthy falconer and a group of growers that have a solid working relationship. In other words, this model may work if everyone involved has experience working together and has the potential to save growers a great deal of money. For those new to abatement falconry or those using a new falconer, this may not be the best first time approach. See Grower A’s experience using a single falconer for more details.
As a model to be aware of, Grower insurance was brought up by several falconers in interviews for this guide. We did not see the practice in the field or interview any growers that had experience using this practice.
FAQ
Business Model
Falconer lives on-farm in a tent and owns the materials he uses. ATV provided by grower.
Falconer flies several types of raptors and uses supplemental techniques, such as occasional noisemakers.
Primary abatement falconry technique is luring.
Falconer can leave for a day or two at a time during the season.
Falconer is on the farm less than the abatement falconers of other models.
Falconer is only in the fields at specific times in areas where bird pressure is heavy.
Grower Satisfaction
Grower doesn’t usually notice large flocks unless the falconer is gone for more than two days.
Grower has ability to use other techniques if needed when the falconer is gone, but says that he really hasn’t needed to.
Grower has seen less bird damage in the processing plant and is very satisfied with the results.
Grower has been using this falconer for several years.
Grower considers his falconer valuable for providing his company with a competitive edge over other growers with bird problems.
Geography
The farm is rather isolated, and is the only blueberry crop in the area. Pest birds can be scared out fairly easily, and the pest birds fly farther away as there isn’t another crop around to keep pest birds interested.
Advantages
Low cost.
Less bird damage.
It’s ok if the bird handler gets sick because the grower has alternative methods he can use.
Established relationship with the falconer/ someone that lives nearby.
Disadvantages
There don’t seem to be any.
