Tiny falcons are helping keep the food supply safe on cherry farms
Their presence appears to lower the risk of food-borne illnesses from pathogens.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/01/tiny-falcons-are-helping-keep-the-food-supply-safe-on-cherry-farms/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social
@arstechnica Having seen and spoken to falconers at work in cherry orchards (not "farms"), I can assure you that the primary reason they are used to keep birds out of orchards is to prevent birds from pecking at the fruit. Bird-pecked fruit is not sellable. Orchardists want the most fruit they can sell. Anyone telling you that it is to reduce the risk of foodborne illness is selling you a line of bullshit. The cherry packing process washes the fruit extensively. #FactsMatter #ag