Efficacy of Sunflower Decoy Plots for Blackbird Control and Supplemental Stopover Habitat

Wildlife Conservation Sunflower Plots (WCSP) were planted and monitored during a two-year trial/research program to monitor the effect of decoy plots on blackbird use of nearby commercial sunflower and abundance of nonblackbird migratory species within the plots. In the two year evaluation period, in excess of 975 hours were spent by three researchers in the plots monitoring damage, vegetation, and avian use. We used bird numbers, vegetation characteristics, and landuse landscape variables to assess the optimal habitat conditions in and around each decoy plot for luring blackbirds and providing adequate stopover habitat for nonblackbird migrants. In 2004, wetland and shelterbelt acreages were significantly correlated to bird damage in WCSP (r2=0.81, p=0.001, p=0.001). Avian density in WCSP was greater in both years when compared with commercial sunflower and other grain crops. Damage was also higher in WCSP than commercial sunflower and control plots. WCSP can be effective at reducing blackbird damage to commercial sunflower in some instances