Bouchard Finlayson: 99% Bird Reduction With AVIX Autonomic

Bouchard Finlayson: 99% Bird Reduction With AVIX Autonomic

When starlings and finches were eating into the grape harvest at Bouchard Finlayson, the winery needed a sustainable fix that would last. The AVIX Autonomic Mark II proved to be the answer, cutting bird numbers by 99% and bringing crop loss down from 5% to zero.

The Problem: Birds Feeding on a Premium Grape Crop

Bouchard Finlayson is one of South Africa’s leading boutique wine cellars, set in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. The estate is known worldwide for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but birds were taking a steady share of the crop.

  • 5% crop loss: Starlings and finches perched and foraged in the vineyard, eating and damaging grapes.

  • Around 100 birds: Starlings, finches, Cape white-eyes and mousebirds were active in the protected area.

  • Seasonal pressure: Activity ran from January to early March, mostly from early morning until midday.

  • Existing methods fell short: Netting, bird bangers, large shiny fans, predator sounds and mechanical mirrors were not effective enough, and were costly.

With sustainability a priority, Viticulturist Stefan Hartmann wanted a bird control method that was environmentally friendly and would stay effective long term.

The Product: Why Bouchard Finlayson Chose the AVIX Autonomic Mark II

After researching options online, Stefan chose the AVIX Autonomic Mark II. A single unit has been protecting 0.8 hectares of vineyard since 2020.

  • No labour required: Once configured, the system runs on its own.

  • Environmentally friendly: No chemicals, noise or netting across the vines.

  • App controlled: Programmed and monitored from a mobile app.

  • Humane deterrence: Birds see the moving laser as a physical threat and leave unharmed.

About the AVIX Autonomic Mark II

The AVIX Autonomic Mark II is a fully automated laser bird deterrent built for continuous protection of open sites such as vineyards, farms and industrial areas. Once set up, it runs 24/7, and its laser patterns can be shaped around specific rows or zones. Birds do not get used to the moving beam over time, and according to AVIX, the system reduces bird nuisance by more than 70%.

Settings and monitoring are handled through the AVIX Connect app on iOS and Android. Maintenance is minimal, with the laser bulb replaced roughly every 3 to 5 years, according to AVIX.

The Results: 99% Fewer Birds and Zero Crop Loss

After installation, Stefan noticed the birds change their behaviour and eventually leave the vineyard.

  • 99% bird reduction: Numbers fell from around 100 birds to just 1 or 2.

  • Starlings removed entirely: A 100% reduction in the main pest species, with other species down by 70% to 80%.

  • Crop loss from 5% to zero: No grapes lost to birds in the protected area.

  • Bird damage costs eliminated: Annual damage of 20,000 ZAR in the protected area fell to nothing.

“The laser is really easy to use, easy to set up, the app works well, it is very straightforward.”

Stefan added that “the best feature of the AVIX Autonomic Mark II laser is that there is no labor involved and that it is environmentally friendly”, and said he would recommend it to fellow farmers.

Stefan Hartmann, Viticulturist, Bouchard Finlayson

For vineyards where every percentage point of yield matters, the AVIX Autonomic Mark II offers a sustainable, hands-off way to protect grapes without nets, noise or chemicals.

Testimonial Profile

Location: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, South Africa

Job Date: 2020

Application context: Vineyard

Product Reviewed: AVIX Autonomic Mark II (automated laser bird deterrent)

Problem definition: Grape yield losses from bird damage

Bird Behaviour: Starlings, finches, Cape white-eyes and mousebirds foraging and perching

Laser Projection Area: 2 acres (0.8 hectares)

Number of Systems: 1 x AVIX Autonomic Mark II

Bird Reduction After Installation: 99% overall, from around 100 birds to 1 or 2 (starlings 100%, other species 70% to 80%)

Time of Year: January to early March

Time of Day: Early morning until midday

Ready to Protect Your Vineyard?

If birds are eating into your harvest, IBM can help. Book a free site survey and we will recommend the right laser bird deterrent for your site.

Bouchard Finlayson: 99% Bird Reduction With AVIX Autonomic

The All In One Automated Bird Deterrent

Looking For Automated Laser Bird Control?