small birds sitting on railing
by admin

Bird Control on Offshore Equipment

  • Seabirds loafing on an offshore railing covered in bird droppings.

Offshore rigs, platforms, and substations are all a bird’s paradise for loafing and roosting. With so many birds taking advantage of the ideal perching locations, these structures are often covered in bird droppings. The unsafe environment creates a health and safety risk including bird disease and slip and fall risks for crews. Droppings are also highly corrosive, decreasing the longevity of critical equipment. Offshore bird control is easy with Birdzoff BirdSpring.

BirdSpring installed on a pier
Birdzoff BirdSpring offers offshore bird control on equipment and infrastructure

Crew Health and Safety Risks

Birds look for perching and nesting locations that give them a high vantage point. Birds that spend any amount of time perched on marine equipment will likely leave behind droppings. The accumulation of droppings mixed with the salt water environment creates a slimy and slippery coating on platform equipment. Medium to large birds will leave behind droppings between 15 and 20 times per 24 hours. Additionally, birds that use offshore infrastructure for hunting purposes leave behind leftovers of their kill including entrails and skeletal remains. These droppings and leftovers pose a significant slip and fall risk for employees navigating facilities.

A corroded railing offshore covered in bird droppings and seabirds

Equipment Damage

Not only are bird droppings toxic and dangerous to humans, but they also can cause serious damage to the materials they cover. Bird droppings contain a variety of chemicals that make them very difficult to clean up. The chemical components of bird droppings ensure that even the least corrosion-prone materials like marine-grade stainless steel are affected by the corrosive nature of the droppings. Additionally, accumulated droppings will increase the cost of maintenance and replacements over time. 

Birdzoff BirdSpring Prevents Bird Droppings

The BirdSpring, offered by Birdzoff, creates both a physical and visual barrier that prevents medium and large birds from perching on all types of platforms. The system works by establishing both a visually unappealing as well as physically unstable platform on which to perch by interfering with the dimensional space they need to occupy. The spring system has minimal wind and ice load and is activated by a perching attempt. Birdzoff calls it a jiggly, wiggly, wobbly system designed to withstand harsh weather conditions with worker safety in mind.

Birdzoff recommends that BirdSpring be installed on all locations on which a bird might perch except for active helipads and walkway floors. Offshore bird control doesn’t have to be a pain with Birdzoff.

eagle bird control for industrial
by admin No Comments

Birdzoff CEO Areanna Sabine Receives Award

Areanna Sabine, Birdzoff CEO recieved award as Student Entrepreneur of 2020

April 1, 2021, The Emory Entrepreneur Network announced on their website March 31, 2021 that Areanna Sabine, Birdzoff CEO, was selected as the Student Entrepreneur of 2020. Sabine, a current Goizueta MBA candidate, recently stepped in as CEO of Birdzoff. Her career in Birdzoff began in 2007, when she co-designed its first Tower Guard system.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for this award,” said Sabine. “I’ve been preparing to assume the role as CEO at Birdzoff over the last 13 years. My Emory education, both in the College and at Goizueta, has provided me with the critical skills necessary to take over the family business.”

The award highlights Emory students who have excelled in their business ventures. Each year the Emory Entrepreneur Network hand picks alumni within a range of industries working to achieve significant growth in every aspect of their businesses. Over the next year, Sabine will take part in fireside chats and virtual events alongside the 11 other awardees.

Pyramid installed around a pond
by admin No Comments

Birdzoff Announces Areanna Sabine as Chief Executive Officer

March 24, 2021, Birdzoff Inc., a prominent producer of industrial bird deterrents, recently announced that Areanna Sabine has been named as Chief Executive Officer. Gordy Sabine, owner and CEO for the past 30 years, will stay on as Chief Design Officer. He will continue to design and produce bird deterrents under the Birdzoff name.  

An environmental sciences major from Emory University, Sabine’s research background has prepared her to analyze bird perching and nesting characteristics and build a successful bird deterrent. Soon to graduate with an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business school, Sabine is poised to take the business to new heights by revamping their marketing and digital presence.

“Areanna has been in this family business for years and is invested in the success of this company. She has her footing in the industry and knows the ins-and-outs of the bird control business; she already holds patents on our original designs,” said Gordy Sabine. “She’s the right woman for the job. Our designs have always been innovative. Now, our marketing will reflect this.”

“I’m incredibly excited to take on this new role, to build upon the trajectory Gordy has built, and for us to break barriers and become a female owned and operated organization,” said Areanna Sabine, new CEO and owner. 

“We pride ourselves on our customer service and work directly with our customers to address their bird control challenges and find lasting solutions,” Areanna continued. “Having a greater digital presence will help us to not only focus more on our customers’ needs, but also help us break further into the bird deterrent market.”

Sabine looks to accelerate this strategy throughout 2021. Birdzoff has already begun their expansion by redoing their website, www.birdzoff.com. This marks their first online press release. 

About Birdzoff: Since 1990, Birdzoff industrial bird control solutions has specialized in protecting industrial structures from problem birds such as ravens, ospreys, and hawks. Their newest product, Birdzoff BirdSpring, adds to their line of state-of-the-art Tower Guard products, the gold standard for keeping birds away from telecommunications towers. For more information about Birdzoff, as well as their full line of Tower Guard products, visit www.birdzoff.com or follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook @birdzoff. 

https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/15d4ac08-d046-40f3-954f-a42f0c9c2f5d

Forward-Looking Statement: Our release includes predictions, estimates, or other information that may be considered forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are predictive in nature and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could arise and cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and reflect our opinions as of the date posted on this press release. Undue reliance should not be placed upon this press release. We are not obligating ourselves to revise or publicly release any materials related to the revision of these forward-looking statements in light of market changes, new materials, or future events. 

by admin No Comments

Birdzoff Birdie’s Nice & Naughty List

Who landed themselves on Birdzoff Birdie’s Naughty & Nice List this year?

In this very official roundup of birds that Birdzoff has deterred over the years, the line is drawn between the naughtiest and nicest birds. While some of these rulings may seem arbitrary, there was a detailed rubric with which bird species were judged. 

In all seriousness, Birdie has a mind of its own and rarely shares its musings with the Birdzoff team aside from the insightful snippets you see on this list. These are only opinions of a giant bird that walks like a human. Birdie wants its audience to know that “everyone is entitled to their own, wrong opinions.”

Starting off with the iconic seagull (the name is an inaccurate generalization of seabirds in the gull family). From stealing chips and ice cream to covering marine facilities with droppings, gulls have landed themselves on Birdie’s naughty list. Their incessant squawking ensures that peace is a rare experience during beach day. The one thing we can be grateful for is that they do a solid job at cleaning up any food scraps left out.

Next we have the even more iconic bald eagle, commonly known as America’s beloved national bird. Being majestic, easily identifiable, and certainly not nepotism are reasons that landed the bald eagle on the nice list and selected as the coveted title as Birdie’s Top Choice. With eyes that can see what’s in front of them better than a psychic, these birds represent the USA with class and without glasses. Though, we are left to wonder why they haven’t addressed their baldness. Perhaps they wouldn’t want to be mistaken for their lesser-known cousins, the golden eagles.

The stinkiest specimen with a crappy reputation, the cormorant finds itself on the naughty list. From bathroom habits that can be called nothing less than unsanitary and inconsiderate, these birds leave behind a reputation of being a nuisance. Their behavior isn’t benefited by their utter lack of coordination and grace when it comes to perching and balancing. Birdie joked that cormorants didn’t have any redeeming qualities, but this list requires at least one, so Birdie folded and admitted they were pretty good at fishing.

The California condor has set its species apart from others with its outstanding comeback. Aided by legislation and non-profit efforts to rehabilitate a population of 22 in 1982, the condors repopulated effectively over the years. While their numbers have recently been affected by the avian flu, Birdie sends its support and belief in the resilience of their populations. The California condor earned its spot on the nice list for years to come. Birdie definitely recommends adding a nice SPF and maybe even a moisturizer to the skin regimen. 

Birdie has yet to meet a human that hasn’t had a bad experience with pigeons. Introduced to the USA in the 1600s, the pigeon has secured its place in the environment whether we like it or not. In places like New York City, pigeons have earned the endearing nickname ‘flying rat’. Known for their role as government drones in the ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ conspiracy, this species unsurprisingly secured itself a spot on the naughty list. If you’re smart enough to game the system, you might be able to save yourself from the long lines and postage at USPS by enlisting a pigeon to deliver your holiday cards this season.

Red-tailed hawks are rarely credited for their hard work as voice-over actors for eagles. The infamous shriek has been used for years to embellish the bald eagle’s superiority and cover up their lesser known chirp. This species’ heightened hunting abilities and speed help keep the rodent population controlled. Birdie does wonder, though, what the red-tailed hawks are hiding behind the red tail. Something to consider when making next year’s list.

Crows are notorious for their starring roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, terrorizing humans with cruel tactics. Everyone knows that a group of crows is called a murder. If you’re still not convinced as to why Birdie placed crows on the naughty list, you’ll be horrified to find out that this species is well-known for stealing eggs and chicks from other birds’ nests. Though, Birdie does recognize and admire their exquisite taste in shiny objects. Birdie acknowledges that many villains are known to have fine taste and the crows’ stealing habits are too grave to dig their way out of the naughty list.

This superhero-like species, the peregrine falcon, is well known for its role in falconry bird mitigation. Their intellect makes them able to learn how to hone their predatory instincts to earn positions as facilities managers amongst many bird species. Driven by their love for treats (food), peregrine falcons have been rumored to be clocked flying at 240 mph. Of course, as with any great superhero, the authorities are willing to turn a blind eye for this species in the name of peace and order, ultimately allowing the peregrine falcon to make it on the nice list.

Osprey are unsurprisingly on the naughty list. They are well known for their inconvenient while opportunistic nest site choices. Project managers across a number of industries dread the possibility of an osprey pair selecting a key structure like a transmission tower, cell tower, and lighting structure for their five month breeding season. Even though these sea birds keep their reputation strong as gold medalists in the Olympic diving competitions, Birdie scoffs at their inconsiderate nature.

Ravens, unlike their crow cousins, have made it on to Birdie’s nice list. When in flight school, Birdie was having trouble with a math problem and turned to a raven for assistance. Addition and subtraction were no match for this smart species. While their outspoken nature contradicts their sleek color and physique, some claim that ravens are thieves. Conveniently, the ravens blame any theft on the similar looking crows. Birdie claims it values math skills more than theft accusations and has placed ravens on the nice list this year.

The last on Birdie’s naughty list is the vulture, commonly known for being a symbol of death. It’s probably because they are always waiting for someone’s or something’s demise. Vultures are known for their remarkably patient circling habits. Birdie recommends that if you find yourself under a group of circling vultures, it is in your best interest to ensure that you and any small pets have an unquestionable pulse and evacuate quickly. While their methods are unrefined, they do make up a nationwide chain of professional clean up crews. 

Linkedin Facebook Instagram
by Birdzoff No Comments

Bird Spike Deterrent Turned Dwelling

We’ve all heard the phrase “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure”. In this case, we can say that one person’s bird deterrent is another bird’s construction material for a nest. Birds are resourceful when it comes to building nests. Over the years, birds have adapted to use materials created and discarded by humans to construct functional nests. During an inactive Bald Eagle nest removal, socks were found amongst other nesting materials in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Imagine walking outside to collect your clothes from line drying, and you’re missing a sock. You can’t even blame the dryer gremlins for stealing your socks!

Magpies, birds in the corvid family, have recently been removing bird spikes and weaving them into their nest design. Choosing a bird deterrent might seem simple, especially with the traditional bird spikes being the go to solution for the average consumer. A trained bird control expert knows that selecting the appropriate bird deterrent requires knowledge about the affected structure, bird species, and attachment options. The Magpies’ clever use of deterrents leads to a few questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of this hostile architecture in the first place. 

How did the magpies remove the spikes?

Bird spikes may have proven to be effective deterrent measures in this situation had they been secured to the structure correctly. The adhesive failed to hold the spikes onto the platform. There are a few possibilities as to why this happened. 

  1. The installer used the incorrect adhesive.
  2. The adhesive used was expired.
  3. The installation was completed years ago, and the adhesive aged past its effective lifespan.

The fix: do your research, or hire someone that will do it for you. Finding an experienced installer who has certifications from a company like Bird Barrier can make or break the installation.

Are spikes the best bird deterrent?

Bird spikes, when used in the correct application, can be extremely effective at deterring some birds from perching. Spikes are not a silver bullet for all bird deterrent needs, though. Each species of bird has a slightly different foot structure, landing pattern, and nest construction process, requiring a different solution from the next bird.

When choosing a bird deterrent, it is important to understand the target bird and structure you are protecting. Both small and large birds may habituate to and defeat bird spikes by using them as a structure on which they secure nesting materials. Choosing alternative options that are proven to protect the specific structure against the problem species increases the likelihood of success.

What is the science behind bird spike and similar deterrents?

Bird spikes target the physical perching area that a bird can occupy. Different heights and materials of the spikes can target a variety of bird species and pressure levels. The downside to bird spikes is that they also establish a template structure for some birds to build nests. Other large birds can easily overcome spikes by bending or breaking them. 

More appropriate deterrents for magpies and larger birds include physical deterrents like the BirdSpring and Tower Guard. These products both target the three dimensional space that a bird can comfortably occupy by intersecting the bird’s flight path at their most vulnerable moment: immediately preceding perching.

Designed to deter medium and large birds, both the BirdSpring and Tower Guard create false and undesirable perches. The intended effect that these physical barriers have is to initially visually deter a bird from identifying the protected area as an optimal perch. If the visual obstacle does not deter a bird’s curiosity, the physical barrier establishes the inaccessibility of the protected area. By creating both a visual and physical barrier, the BirdSpring and Tower Guard deterrents effectively and efficiently. Unlike bird spikes, these products are designed to deter even the most curious and clever of birds.

What are some alternative options?

Birdzoff offers a number of effective solutions against larger birds on commercial and industrial structures. 

BirdSpring

The BirdSpring is a flexible deterrent designed to exclude medium and large birds from perching on industrial infrastructure like cell towers, piers, and handrails on offshore wind turbines. The system is made entirely of 316 stainless steel and made to withstand extreme weather conditions including in marine and desert environments.

The flexibility of the system doubles both as a deterrent and safety measure for crew members. Any physical contact with the BirdSpring system triggers chaotic movement that alerts birds that the protected area is unstable and undesirable to perch on. The springs in this system also allow for ample give if a crew member were to lean or fall on or near the product. Additionally, the BirdSpring includes an attachment option that meets OSHA standards for railing accessibility.

BirdSpring is designed for industries where quick installation means safer conditions for crews and overall cost savings. Unlike many products that boast a quick installation like bird spikes, the BirdSpring has a number of safeguards that ensure its longevity. This includes a hose clamp attachment and safety clips for connecting wires.

Tower Guard

The Tower Guard was the original inspiration for the BirdSpring. Its inception began with a request to deter ospreys from radio antenna towers at JFK airport. The request included requirements that all products have radio frequency transparency and be non-conductive. Therefore, the Tower Guard is made with the same plastic used in car bumpers and the highest UV rated polyester cord. This pointed design can be made worker-safe with a safety cap. Though the Tower Guard is not as flexible as the BirdSpring, when installed correctly, the connecting cord is forgiving enough to create an unstable false perch for any bird that attempts to land.

Source:
Hiemstra, A-F, Moeliker, C W, Gravendeel, B, & Schilthuizen, M. 2023. Birds nests made from anti-bird spikes. Deinsea: 21: 17-25