An interesting note in a recent issue of Wine Enthusiast (how appropriate
for the upcoming gathering!). Shafer Vineyards, of the Stags Leap area
of Napa Valley, has recently begun a large scale introduction of nest
boxes and roost poles to encourage hawk and owl populations in the
vineyard. The growers have cover crops (clover and the like) between
rows of vines and small mammals (especially gophers and ground squirrels)
eat the cover crops as well as grapevine roots. So at least some growers
have begun to enlist barn owls, kestrels, and red-tailed hawks to
diminish these rodent pests. Shafer thinks it works for them. A few
years ago, the Nature PBS series aired a similar scheme, using barn owl
boxes to cut rat losses in oil palm plantations in south-east asia.
Jim Neitzel
neitzelj at elwha.evergreen.edu

PS: I'm sorry I'll miss the bash-something about two small spirited
children tends to give me a limited travel radius and an early bedtime.