A University of the Fraser Valley professor is working on something that could make the regular crack of a blueberry cannon a thing of the past.
Tom Baumann, an associate professor of agriculture at UFV, is working on designing a drone that can be programmed to fly over a field to keep birds away.
For years, farmers have been using various methods to keep birds, specifically starlings, which Baumann describes as a pest, away from crops. He said unprotected fields can see up to a 90 per cent crop loss.
Farmers have invested in nets, kites, lasers and cannons, he said. Some even have model airplanes or falcons.
Many of these methods can get expensive, or have generated complaints from neighbouring residents.
Last year, after receiving several complaints from residents, Delta took action against the misuse of cannons, approving a new noise bylaw that gives bylaw officers and police the power to fine blueberry farmers caught contravening rules on the placement of cannons and when they are fired.
Baumann said nets have proved to be the most effective method, however, the birds can get caught in them.
"Blueberry netting is the one thing that works 100 per cent of the time," he said.
Baumann and his team are working on developing a programmable drone that, using a GPS system, will fly on its own in a pattern over a field and then return to a charging base.
Baumann said the drone would scare off birds and keep them from returning to the field.
"Basically anything that moves, anything that is unpredictable, works against the birds."
He said that one drone could cover up to 100 acres of plants.
Baumann added the technology could work with any crop that attracts birds.
It is still in development and Baumann said the team hopes to have a prototype ready by fall.
