A Bird on a Stick

      As I have posted many times, our nets are up and functioning very well to protect our grapes.  However, as the Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc continue to ripen and get sweeter, the birds are starting to show up to have a look.  Last Thursday the flocks of starlings were circling the vines and looking for any week spots in our net protection.  After watching them try for about 10 min. I went inside and got our 3 new predator decoys.  There are 2 Red-tailed Hawks and a Great Horned Owl.  I took them to their perches and mounted them on their sticks.  It was amazing!  Just as quickly as the flocks of starlings came, they turned around and flew away.  Our grapes are still several weeks away from their final day of harvest but our attempt to keep the birds away are working well so far.  Tomorrow, we plan to take several more sugar readings but if this hot, dry weather continues we should be in pretty good shape.  I am keeping my fingers crossed!