Rambo’s mission that morning: Protecting chardonnay grapes owned by Bouchaine Vineyards from hungry, smaller birds. “Falconry,” said Rosen, owner of Authentic Abatement, “is one of the more effective ways of scaring birds. Because if you don’t leave you get eaten.”  

Netting, propane-based bird cannons, or some combination of the two, are favored methods among growers to stem the loss of their fruit from the blackbirds, starlings and house finches common in the area. Still others have opted for a more predator-based approach. 

The falcons Rosen uses are all captive-raised. Per federal law, falconers can capture wild falcons and fly them for sport, but cannot use wild birds in for-profit capacities like those at Authentic Abatement. 

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