DoctorSara Kross

This 10-lesson virtual course teaches agricultural professionals and farmers how to support beneficial birds and manage pest birds on farms. By learning how to assess the farm’s avian needs and opportunities, farms can be designed to provide for a diversity of beneficial birds. If pest birds are a problem, they can be discouraged with specific practices during the shorter periods when they cause damage. The sessions cover the latest research, tools and resources, and are given by experts in avian pest control, entomology, ornithology and conservation. While many topics and species are specific to the Midwest, most of the principles discussed are applicable across regions.

Through one-of-a-kind virtual field trips and guest speaker experiences, this organisation's goal is to spark curiosity in students. Since 2015, they’ve hosted 4,500+ live lessons that have brought the passion and energy of those exploring, studying, and documenting our dynamic planet to over a million and a half students.

We are running annual surveys of birds and vegetation to monitor the recloaking project at Te Kaiō farm- a joint project with Wairewa rūnanga and Orion Energy.

Why, Where and How to support beneficial birds. Farmers, land managers and others can use this in-depth guide to support the use of the Beneficial Bird Habitat Assessment and Native Plant Tool. The guide mirrors the seven sections of the tool, providing real world examples of implementing habitat.

When beneficial birds are supported, they can reduce pest insects, rodents and pest birds that cause harm in row and field crops, vineyards and orchards. This tool helps identify opportunities, prioritize and quantify practices and management strategies, and hone native plant selections that provide the best conditions for beneficial birds on the farm.

This presentation was given as part of a California Department of Pesticide Regulation Continuing Education Course on "Avian and Bat Allies: Integrating Wildlife into Sustainable Pest Management."

This free California Continuing Education Courses was developed with the Wild Farm Alliance based around our outreach materials and research related to birds on farms. Participants learn about research that shows the benefits of installing habitat in and around farms to attract beneficial birds that provide valuable pest control services.

Participants will gain knowledge on research describing the farm benefits of installing songbird nest boxes, Barn Owl and American Kestrel boxes, and songbird and raptor perches to gain these birds’ valuable pest control services.

An elusive bird's song draws the daughter of a strict pastor into the forest, where an epiphany inspires her to seek a new life, a life at odds with her father's own plans for her future.