The winter of 2003 in Quebec was a hard. Extreme cold and lots of snow. Because the landscape was all white when it came time to start settling early bred young birds in March I was concerned they could easily become lost once they went to the air. In an attempt to give them something they could relate to as indicating home from the air I installed a red strobe flasher (Beacon) on the loft. The light was turned on in the morning and kept going until dark for one week before I let the birds out. One was lost off the roof when It took to the air on the first day. I suspect a neighbors cat spooked it. Today is April 22 and no more have been lost. I have to believe the light helped.
Something else happened. I do believe the red strobe flasher has had an unexpected benefit. I live on a hawk migration path. Every year I loose birds to migrating hawks. This year none of the old birds or young birds have been lost. I have seen hawks fly over the area and other club members have lost birds. None have attacked my birds sitting on the loft.
Update March 4 2004
This picture will show why I was concerned about the snow.
April 15th, and still snow hanging around.
In March the light was installed on one aviary.
In front of the light two old CD's were mounted to reflect some
of the red towards the sky.
The light I used is manufactured by Edwards div. of General Signal, Owen Sound, Ontario, Model No. 5ZCR-NS-40WH. Other similar lights are available can be found at a lighting store or from a distributor in your area. They are relatively expensive at about $200.00 plus tax. Please be sure its suitable for exterior (Our door) use. One available in the States is: Federal Signal Company, Model 141ST-120A ELECTRA-FLASH
If you decide to try this please let me know your results. You can email by clicking here or just leave a note in the guest book. Any suggestions or comments are welcome and appreciated.
