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Annual battle against the birds is underway
As harvest time nears, efforts to scare away flying invaders intensify
In an effort to scare away birds, an inflatable tube man gyrates among the vines at Nassau Valley.
August 24, 2021
Each August, Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes wages war. It’s all-out battle of the birds. As the vineyard’s grapes near harvest time, they are prime targets for flying invaders.
The vineyard’s arsenal includes netting, loud noises – including chirping birds – and a new addition, inflatable tube men gyrating in the breeze.
Nassau Valley Vineyards opened in October 1993, but not until owner Peggy Raley-Ward was able to lobby for a new state law allowing vineyards on farmland.
The vineyards, off Nassau Commons Boulevard, offers tours and tastings, special events and a farmers market with live music from noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays, mid-May though mid-October. Go to nassauvalley.com for more information and hours.
The time to harvest Nassau Valley Vineyard’s Chardonnay grapes is fast approaching. The vineyards also grows Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes.
