Why we trap—The trapping program reduces populations of the worst culprits – the juveniles – which tend to cause more damage to tree fruits, berries & grapes. The trapping program is effective in capturing the feeding populations and substantially reducing the damage they cause to agriculture in the Okanagan Similkameen. Without ongoing trapping, the starlings may experience a resurgence to their former destructive numbers.

Where we trap—Traps are traditionally located in feedlots, landfills, and hobby farms with a combination of poultry, horses, and other animals, as particularly good sites for capturing starlings – especially if the site is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, or market gardens.

They are not often placed in a vineyard or orchard because this can result in more crop loss for the property owner. This is because the trap and the noise from the trap will attract more starlings to the location. If the trap is in an orchard or vineyard, the starlings will often ignore the trap and the bait inside as soon as it is less sweet and tasty than the fruit on the trees or vines surrounding it.

Local governments already fund over 50% of the program’s cost — a strong financial commitment from all agricultural producers is necessary to maintain these contributions. The onus is on all growers to assume more responsibility. If the program can be maintained, or expanded, we all stand to benefit.

The Okanagan Similkameen starling control program is requesting donations of $10 per planted acre from all Okanagan Similkameen agricultural producers.

We have partnered with the South Okanagan Conservation Alliance and other organisations in this initiative. We encourage all landowners in rural and urban areas to identify, reduce, and block starling nesting sites. This is something that everyone can successfully participate in to make a difference to starling populations. Kansas City was successful at reducing starling abundance by 60% in two years. The municipality adopted a policy of reducing nesting sites within the city through mandatory building repair and modification to building design aimed at reducing nesting locations.

All agricultural producers can reduce their own crop damage with an aggressive program to block and destroy nesting sites on their property and by encouraging their neighbours to do the same.

Starlings are adept at establishing sites in nooks and crannies in buildings – which can damage buildings, create fire hazards, clog gutters and drainpipes, etc. Identifying and blocking nest sites is effective in helping to control starlings, and is something everyone can participate in – we need your support and for you to encourage your neighbours to help as well.

SEAL UP HOLES EVERYWHERE! Starlings love to nest in crevices and holes, so it’s a great practice to seal any holes in your buildings that are larger than one inch (2.5cm). Use wood, ¼” hardware cloth, aluminum, or other sturdy material, as light material such as bird netting or rags will not keep determined starlings out.

MAKE NEEDED REPAIRS. Replace any loose shingles or siding, fix soffits that are open, and repair broken windows.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS can help reduce damage by keeping their farms clear of food (i.e. burying unwanted fruit rather than dumping it on the ground).

Starlings are a non-native species and are not related to our native blackbirds. They are irridescent black with speckles. Their beaks are dark in winter and yellow in summer.

• Stocky black bird

• Pale legs

• Shimmering green and purple feathers in the spring

• Long pointed bill – yellow in the nesting and breeding season; brown in the fall and winter

• Males and females are similar with subtle differences

• Juveniles are drab grey-brown all over

• Starling molt their feathers in the fall–new feather tips are whitish, giving the bird a speckled appearance that gradually dulls over winter.

SIMILAR SPECIES Sometimes it’s easy to confuse these species with starlings:

Blackbirds–have slimmer bodies, longer tails, and shorter, thicker bills than starlings. No blackbirds have a pale yellow bill or pale legs

Juvenile & Brown-Headed Cowbirds are coloured very similarly to a juvenile starling. The Cowbird has a longer tail, a slimmer body, and a much stouter and shorter bill.