Jessica Fearnley-Pattison, NSW DPIRD.
Bird damage is a significant challenge for cherry growers across all Australian growing regions. Through on-ground industry experience and research conducted by NSW DPIRD, a range of bird deterrent approaches have been observed, trialled, collected and assessed across different orchard systems and environments.
This case study draws together insights from real-world observations to highlight the types of bird deterrents currently used in cherry orchards, how they perform in practice, and the key considerations growers should weigh up when selecting deterrent strategies for their own orchards.
Rather than focusing on a single orchard or solution, this case study reflects the variability of bird pressure, orchard design, and operational scale across the industry, recognising that effective bird management often requires a combination of approaches.
This case study is provided as a guide only. NSW DPIRD and Cherry Growers Australia do not endorse specific products or suppliers. Growers should assess deterrent options based on their individual orchard conditions, risk profile, and financial circumstances.
Case study developed with NSW DPIRD, drawing on industry observations.
As part of this case study, a range of bird deterrent approaches were observed across cherry orchards and research sites. These deterrents varied in design, cost, and effectiveness, and were often used in combination to manage bird pressure under different orchard conditions.
The sections below summarise the key deterrent types observed in practice, along with their advantages, limitations, and practical considerations.
Protective rain covers are commonly used in cherry production to reduce rain-induced fruit cracking during the ripening period. Observations from orchards using these systems indicate that, while not designed primarily as bird deterrents, rain covers can also reduce bird access to fruit by limiting entry points to the canopy.
Rain cover systems included are permanent structures with fixed polyethylene roofs, retractable systems that can be opened or closed depending on conditions, and temporary or seasonal covers installed shortly before harvest.
In addition to reducing cracking, rain covers have been proven to:
Improve fruit quality by reducing exposure to rainfall
Increase harvest flexibility by allowing fruit to remain on trees during wet conditions
However, rain covers were also observed to present several challenges. These included high installation and maintenance costs, the need for careful management of humidity and heat under the covers, and potential impacts on pollination if covers were in place during flowering.
Research conducted by NSW DPIRD has investigated the influence of protective covers on orchard microclimate, providing valuable insights into how these systems affect temperature, humidity, and overall growing conditions in cherry orchards.
NSW DPIRD has recently finished a 3-year project investigating the influence of protective covers on the microclimate in cherry orchards in NSW. You can find the findings of this work here.
Permanent bird or hail netting structures can provide protection against bird damage across a range of orchard systems. These systems create a continuous physical barrier over the tree canopy, significantly reducing bird access throughout the season.
In orchard blocks where permanent netting has been installed, bird-related crop losses were consistently lower compared with blocks relying on temporary or non-physical deterrents. These structures were also able to offer additional benefits, including protection from hail, wind, and excessive sun exposure.
Permanent netting systems in this case study are designed to integrate with orchard operations, allowing activities such as pruning, spraying, and harvesting to be carried out without removing the net. Some systems incorporated trellis or hail-release designs that enabled sections of netting to be opened and closed as required.
Despite their effectiveness, permanent netting structures can be associated with a high upfront cost and typically required professional installation. Ongoing maintenance is also necessary to ensure net integrity and structural safety.
Installation costs observed typically ranged from $80,000 to $100,000 per hectare, depending on orchard design, terrain, and system specifications.
The following suppliers provide permanent netting systems and related services. Inclusion reflects observed industry use and does not imply endorsement.
Throw-over netting can be a more flexible and lower-cost alternative to permanent netting systems, particularly in smaller orchards or where seasonal protection is required. This type of netting is typically deployed directly over trees during periods of high bird pressure and removed once the risk has passed.
Throw-over netting can reduce bird access to fruit, particularly when installed early and secured effectively. Its flexibility allows growers to adapt deployment timing based on bird activity and crop development.
However, throw over netting still has some limitations that need to be considered. In windy conditions, gaps could form in the netting, allowing birds to enter. Throw-over netting can be less durable than permanent systems and could interfere with tree growth, spray penetration, and harvest operations if not managed carefully.
Mechanical deployment systems, such as drape netting machinery, can improve efficiency and reduce labour requirements for larger orchards using throw-over netting.
Acoustic deterrents are commonly used as a short-term or supplementary method for reducing bird activity in cherry orchards. These deterrents operate by emitting sounds that create a perceived threat, such as distress calls or predator noises, encouraging birds to avoid the area.
Across orchards, acoustic deterrents are typically used where physical exclusion was not feasible, or in combination with other deterrent approaches to improve overall effectiveness.
Gas guns
Predator or distress bird calls broadcast through speakers
Ultrasonic repellers
Sonic scarers
Relatively easy to deploy and relocate
Lower upfront cost compared with physical exclusion systems
Capable of covering large orchard areas without physical barriers
Birds can become habituated to sound-based deterrents over time, particularly when sounds were not varied or rotated
Effectiveness decreased when deterrents were left in the same location for extended periods
Noise output may disturb nearby residents, workers, or wildlife, limiting suitability in some locations
Observations indicated that acoustic deterrents were most effective when:
Activated early, before birds became accustomed to feeding on the crop
Used intermittently rather than continuously
Combined with visual deterrents or physical exclusion methods
Rotated in location and sound type to reduce habituation
Indicative costs for acoustic deterrents are generally low, with multiple units often available for under $500, depending on system type and configuration.
The following organisations provide acoustic bird deterrent products. Inclusion reflects observed industry use and does not imply endorsement.
Visual deterrents are commonly used as a low-cost and easily deployed option for reducing bird activity in cherry orchards. These deterrents work by creating unfamiliar or threatening visual stimuli that disrupt bird behaviour and discourage feeding.
Across orchards and research sites, visual deterrents are most often used as a supplementary strategy rather than a standalone solution. Their effectiveness is highly dependent on regular movement, variation, and integration with other deterrent methods.
Reflective tape that creates flashes of light and movement
Scare balloons with predator-like eye patterns
Scare kites designed to resemble birds of prey
Flashing or strobe lights used during low-light periods
Birds of prey perches intended to encourage natural predators
Lasers projected at dawn or dusk to create sudden, unexpected movement
Low cost and widely accessible
Easy to install, reposition, and remove
Non-invasive and generally quiet, avoiding noise-related concerns
Useful for rapid deployment when bird pressure first appears
Birds were observed to quickly become habituated to static or unchanging visual deterrents
Effectiveness declined when devices were left in the same position for extended periods
Performance varied between bird species and orchard environments
Limited effectiveness when used in isolation, particularly under high bird pressure
Visual deterrents were most effective when:
Installed early, before birds established a feeding pattern
Regularly moved or rotated to maintain novelty
Used in combination with acoustic deterrents or physical exclusion methods
Deployed strategically around orchard edges or known entry points
Lasers have been observed to be more effective during dawn, dusk, and night conditions, with limited effectiveness during bright daylight. While showing promise, lasers were typically used selectively due to higher costs and operational considerations.
The following organisations provide visual bird deterrent products. Inclusion reflects observed industry use and does not imply endorsement.
The use of drones as a bird deterrent is emerging and mobile approach, with potential application in orchards experiencing persistent or high bird pressure. Drones operate by actively disturbing birds through movement and, in some cases, by mimicking the flight behaviour of predatory species.
Drones are primarily used in targeted situations rather than as a continuous deterrent. Their mobility allowed operators to respond to specific flocks or high-risk areas within an orchard, making them a flexible option where static deterrents were less effective.
Highly mobile and adaptable to different orchard layouts
Capable of targeting specific bird flocks or problem areas
Potentially effective across larger orchard areas
Can be deployed as needed rather than remaining permanently in place
High initial cost compared with other deterrent options
Requires skilled operators or automated flight systems
Effectiveness may decline if birds become habituated to repeated flight patterns
Operational use may be constrained by weather conditions, regulations, or labour availability
Drones are most effective when:
Used intermittently rather than continuously
Deployed early in response to bird activity
Combined with other deterrent methods to reduce habituation
Operated with varied flight paths and timing
Typically for drone-based deterrent systems range from approximately $10,000 to $30,000, depending on drone specifications, automation capabilities, and operational setup.
The following organisations provide visual bird deterrent products. Inclusion reflects observed industry use and does not imply endorsement.
| Deterrent Method | Examples | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Deterrents | Gas guns, distress calls, sonic scarers | Affordable and easy to deploy. Can cover large areas without physical barriers. | Birds habituate quickly if sounds are not varied. Noise can disturb neighbours and wildlife. |
| Drones | Manual or automated drones | Highly mobile. Can target specific flocks. Effective for large orchard areas. | Expensive. Requires skilled operators or automation software. Habituation possible. |
| Emerging Technologies | Laser and automated deterrent systems | Silent options. Effective at dawn, dusk, and night. Covers large areas. | Higher costs. Limited effectiveness during bright daylight. Limited long-term data. |
| Permanent Netting | Permanent bird or hail netting structures | Physically excludes birds. High level of protection. Improves fruit quality and yield. | High initial cost. Professional installation required. |
| Protective Rain Covers | Fixed, retractable, or seasonal covers | Reduces fruit cracking. Improves harvest flexibility. Can limit bird access. | High cost. Requires careful management of heat and humidity. |
| Throw-over Netting | Manual or mechanical drape netting | Flexible and cost-effective. Seasonal protection. Easier pollination and access. | Labour-intensive. Birds may access fruit from below. Requires regular maintenance. |
| Visual Deterrents | Reflective tape, scare kites, balloons, lasers | Affordable and easy to install. Portable and reusable. Effective as a short-term solution when repositioned regularly. | Birds habituate over time. Requires frequent repositioning to maintain effectiveness. |
Birds cause significant damage in cherry orchards, affecting fruit yield, fruit quality, and tree health across all growing regions.
Physical exclusion methods, particularly permanent netting structures, were observed to provide the most effective long-term protection, despite higher upfront costs.
Throw-over netting offered a flexible and more affordable seasonal alternative, with effectiveness influenced by weather conditions and management practices.
Acoustic and visual deterrents were most effective when used as short-term or supplementary measures, as birds were observed to habituate quickly to static deterrents.
Drones and emerging technologies showed potential in targeted situations but were generally used as complementary tools rather than standalone solutions.
An integrated bird management approach, combining multiple deterrent methods and adapting strategies each season, was observed to deliver the most consistent outcomes.
The following organisations provide bird deterrent products and services referenced or observed through this case study. Inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Have you trialled a bird deterrent solution in your cherry orchard, or are you interested in contributing to future case studies?
We welcome input from growers, researchers, and industry suppliers to help build a stronger evidence base for managing bird impacts in cherry orchards. You can get in touch with us HERE.
Director
Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.
Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.
Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
Director
Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.
Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.
Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.
Honorary Treasurer
Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.
He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.
Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.
In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.
Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
Director
Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.
Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.
Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.
Deputy Chair
Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.
Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.
Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.
Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.
Chair
I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.
I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!
I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.
Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.
In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.
In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.
I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!
Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009
Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013
Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024