Overview The University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus is home to programs in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences. Here, students and staff conduct world-class academic research and developments in cereal crops. The trials conducted here aim to reduce losses of wheat, oats and major herbal diseases. Research into new plant variations, herbicide resistance, crop organization and rotation practices allows the modern farmer to more effectively manage their produce, while increasing productivity and decreasing costs. All research conducted by the organization takes place on plots of land located directly on campus, an invaluable resource. During land use, dating back to the mid-1950s, planted crops have been subject to extensive destruction by nesting birds. . This damage dramatically reduced the productivity of the planted crops, reducing the total yield by approximately 25%. These experimental plots are critical to effective research, university enrollment, and agricultural improvement. The genetic history and continuous improvement of the plants grown there provide a vital link to future successes around the world. Therefore, it is important that the university effectively protects crops from bird damage. Recent Activities Since 1955, the first year that data on trapped birds were recorded, 2,200 to 10,400 birds were trapped each year, averaging a mix of 6,000 sparrows, blackbirds, starlings, grackles and cowbirds per year. year. Once the birds were captured, all the doves and songbirds were set free, and the remaining birds were asphyxiated. Recently, the practice of bird removal has captured both me and the activist...... middle of paper ......w species reside in agricultural and human settled areas as primary habitat. House sparrows are a perfect example of a granivorous animal, feeding mainly on plant materials (seeds, oats, barley, wheat) to make up over 90% of an adult's diet. The nestlings are fed a combination of animal material, such as earthworms and insects. Accessible food waste contained in garbage, breadcrumbs, and other organic compounds can support sparrow populations in urban areas. Sparrows consume seeds and grains in fields and storage places. Usually, the entire sparrow population forages in a small area, damaging crops by consuming seeds, flowers, vegetables and ripe fruits. In areas where grain is stored, sparrow fecal matter will contaminate grain left behind. Sparrow droppings and feathers can create unsanitary and dangerous conditions, as well as apparent monetary losses.