Measuring bird damage to three fruit crops: A comparison of grower and field estimates

Birds are common pests in fruit orchards. They frequently consume and damage fruit resulting in decreased yields for growers. The true extent of damage is difficult to measure. Producer surveys are often implemented to estimate damage, but the accuracy of these estimates is uncertain. We compared damage estimates obtained through field studies with estimates from a producer survey for three fruit crops: wine grapes, sweet cherries, and ‘Honeycrisp’ apples. We also analyzed relationships between use of various damage management methods and levels of bird damage. We found wine grape and sweet cherry growers accurately assessed bird damage, while ‘Honeycrisp’ apple growers may overestimate damage. Growing region appears to be an important damage predictor for wine grape and sweet cherry crops. Significant relationships between management methods and damage were positive, suggesting growers only use these methods when bird damage is substantial. •Grower and field estimates of bird damage did not differ significantly in wine grape and sweet cherry crops.•Grower and field estimates of bird damage differed significantly in ‘Honeycrisp’ apple crops.•Region is an important predictor of damage for sweet cherry crops.•Region was not a predictor of bird damage in ‘Honeycrisp’ apple crops.•Accuracy of grower estimates of bird damage is dependent on crop type and growing region.