The Napa harvest is one of the most exciting times of the year where I live. I’m perched above the Napa River, sitting on the second floor of my writing nook listening to the somewhat irritating popping of the bird cannon in the distance. The cannons have been going off on the Napa side of Carneros for several weeks. This is a sure sign that véraison (the French term describing the ripening color of grapes) has arrived and the Napa harvest and fermentation are near. The grapes need to be protected from voracious birds. The most famous for their impact on the vineyards are starlings who migrate to Napa in time for véraison. Smart birds! There you have it, the need for annoying bird cannons.

from HuffPo