NONTARGET BIRD USE OF DRC-1339 BAIT SITES DURING OPERATIONAL BAITING PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA AND TEXAS

Nontarget bird use of DRC-1339 bait sites was assessed during operational baiting programs from 2000-2002 in Louisiana and from 2001-2002 in Texas. DRC-1339 is an avicide registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to manage blackbirds causing damage to agriculture. It was used in Louisiana between 15 February to 15 March and in Texas from January though March to protect newly planted rice. In Louisiana, there were 55 bait sites observed during 316 observation periods (158 observation hours) and 312 flush-counts conducted from 2000-2002. In Texas, there were 26 bait sites observed during 182 observation periods (91 observation hours) and 174 flush-counts conducted from 2001-2002. The nontarget bird species most commonly observed on DRC-1339 bait sites in Louisiana and Texas was the savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis). Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus, Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), meadowlarks (Sturnella spp.) and American pipits (Anthus rubescens,/i>) were observed less frequently than savannah sparrows. Of these, mourning doves in Louisiana and meadowlarks in Texas are of greatest concern because of their foraging habits, susceptibility to DRC-1339, and frequency and rate of occurrence at DRC-1339 bait sites.