Bird Bangers are tools used by farmers to protect crops. They create loud, cannon-like sounds to deter birds, and these noises may carry across farmland into nearby rural areas and neighbourhoods.
Electronic Sound Devices broadcast either electronic noises to irritate birds and disrupt their sensory system or distress calls of specific bird species and predatory attack calls. The latter sound like real birds and are usually more acceptable to neighbours than propane-fired cannons. Some farmers report the distress calls attract birds of prey, which can help scare problem birds away
Because of this, patience and understanding are needed from farmers, residents and visitors.
The Town of Lincoln does not regulate the use or operation of Bird Bangers/Electronic Sound Devices (Squawkers). Farmers are expected to use them responsibly and in line with best management practices.
Under Ontario’s Farming and Food Production Protection Act, 1998 (FFPPA), farmers are protected from nuisance noise complaints if Bird Bangers are being operated according to normal farm practices. This means following accepted and appropriate standards that are common to similar farming operations under similar conditions.
If a resident has concerns about a Bird Banger, the first step is to reach out directly to the farmer. If the issue cannot be resolved, residents may contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (formerly OMAFRA - now OMAFA).
Please note: farmland is private property. Tampering with or damaging a Bird Banger is a criminal offence.
For more information on Bird Bangers, or to file a complaint if you believe one is not being used in line with normal farm practices, please contact:
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-agriculture-food-and-agribusiness
Agricultural Information Contact Centre: 1-877-424-1300
Email: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Use of Bird Bangers in Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/using-propane-fired-cannons-keep-birds-away-vineyards
Bird Banger Best Practices
Bird Bangers are an important tool to help protect grape crops from bird damage. To ensure they are used responsibly and respectfully, farmers are encouraged to follow these best practices:
- Purpose of Use
- Bird Bangers should only be used to protect mature, marketable grapes from bird damage.
- They must never be used for any other reason.
- Setbacks from Homes
- Place Bird Bangers in accordance with recommended setback distances from neighbouring houses.
- Neighbour Communication
- Notify residents living within 175 metres (575 feet) of where Bird Bangers will be used.
- Share details on when and how they will operate, and provide contact information for any concerns.
- Timing of Use
- Begin use no earlier than 3–4 weeks before veraison.
- Stop immediately after harvest.
- Operate only during daylight hours — no earlier than 30 minutes before sunrise and no later than 30 minutes after sunset.
- Placement
- Bird Bangers should be at least 125 metres (410 feet) apart.
- On smaller vineyard blocks (less than 4 hectares / 9.9 acres), they should still be no closer than 100 metres (328 feet).
- Avoid placing Bird Bangers directly in line with a neighbour’s home, as grapevine rows can direct sound toward houses.
- Seasonal Adjustments
- Update timers to match sunrise and sunset as the season progresses.
- Make sure timing changes (such as Daylight Savings Time) are reflected in settings.
- Rotation
- Move Bird Bangers around weekly when possible so birds do not become accustomed to their location.
- Monitoring
- Regularly check Bird Bangers to ensure they are functioning correctly, especially if they are not located on the home property.
- Noise Considerations
- Be mindful of how sound carries, particularly when operating near the Niagara Escarpment, as echoing can occur.
- Nighttime Safeguards
- Use light sensor overrides so Bird Bangers cannot go off at night, even if timers are set incorrectly.
- This is especially important for vineyards managed off-site.