May 11 is World Migratory Bird Day, a day of celebration and awareness that comes at the height of spring migration as millions of birds make their way north to nest and raise their chicks throughout the Western Hemisphere. This year’s theme, “Insects,” is a nod to the important roles of bees, butterflies, caterpillars and others, not only for birds but for people too.
Insects are pollinators, decomposers, pest control and an important source of food for 96% of all terrestrial birds in North America. Unfortunately, insect populations across the board are struggling and that spells trouble for the numerous bird species that rely on them. They are especially important for young migratory birds: a steady diet of protein-rich insects like caterpillars helps them grow quickly and fuel up for migration.
Habitat loss is the main culprit – without quality habitat, neither birds nor insects can thrive. Pesticide use unleashes harmful chemicals into the environment that destroy plants and insects and can poison birds. In both cases, the challenges can be compounded for birds, who suffer not only from the direct effects but from the secondary effects of the loss of their food sources as well.
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is asking bird lovers nationwide to help reverse an insect free fall and take simple steps to protect these creatures that, despite their small size, play a huge role in keeping birds fed and our environment healthy.
Always Pass on Pesticides
While there are multiple factors contributing to the alarming drop in insect populations, one stands out: pesticides. The pesticides we use don’t discriminate. Though the target might be an unwelcome aphid infestation in farm fields or an unpleasant swarm of mosquitoes in the backyard, those aren’t the only creatures encountering pesticides.
Even when pesticide use is localized, its effects can be far reaching. Among the most insidious pesticides are neonicotinoids (“neonics”). ABC has been documenting the rise of neonics and advocating for stricter regulation of these extremely dangerous chemicals. Neonics are so toxic that a single seed coated in the chemical can kill a songbird.
Though initially created for controlling sap-sucking and leaf-eating pests in large-scale agricultural settings, neonics have worked their way into products commonly used around cities, schools and homes. Long-lasting and water-soluble, neonicotinoids can be dispersed far beyond their intended targets, carried on the wind as spray drift or dust particles or enter the water system through runoff or leaching into groundwater. Plants can take up the chemicals to leaves, pollen and nectar, which can be consumed by insects and other animals.
A majority of native bee species nest in the ground, leaving them vulnerable to neonics that enter the soil. Though they have been banned in the EU, neonicotinoids are significantly less regulated in the U.S.
Birds aren’t always directly encountering the effects of pesticides. Often, the harm done to birds by pesticides comes second-hand. Adult birds might feed insects that have come into contact with pesticides to their nestlings. Eventually, the loss of insects due to pesticides also affects birds, impacting their ability to find food.
Here’s how you can help address the problem of pesticides:
- Avoid using pesticides of any kind (this includes rodenticides, herbicides, fungicides and more). Instead, opt for organic or chemical-free methods for pest control.
- Choose produce that is grown organically when possible. Organic growing practices do not employ the kinds of harmful pesticides that can negatively affect insects and birds.
- Invite insects into your garden. We often are told to grow native plants in our gardens because they benefit birds, and that’s true. Native plants in their own right provide the shelter, nesting sites and much of the food birds need. But the insects they attract are the icing on the cake for birds! Birds’ arrival on their breeding grounds is strongly linked to the availability of their preferred food sources.
There are many ways to provide the native plants birds and insects need:
- Learn about the plants native to your area and incorporate them into your landscape. There are a variety of plants, from shrubs to perennial flowers, that can provide food for insects. Native milkweed species are vital for monarch butterflies and they’re likely to attract other insects that birds love to eat. Spicebush berries are beloved by birds from wood thrush to Eastern bluebirds. They’re also the host plant for the beautiful spicebush swallowtail butterfly – their larvae make an excellent snack for bluebirds.
- Maximize the space you have. Even small areas can make a big difference for insects and birds. If you lack the space to grow a full garden, window boxes or planters with native plants like bee balm can be a pitstop for birds like hummingbirds.
- If your yard is looking messy, “leaf” it alone – those layers of leaves are a nursery for moths, fireflies, beetles and other insects and provide protection from predators. Bonus: The leaves also act as fertilizer for your yard as they break down.
An important aside: As you add native plants to your yard, also consider that you may be luring birds into contact with hazards around your home. Two of the most important things you can do to keep birds safe is to treat your windows to help prevent collisions and keep cats indoors or contained when outdoors.
For other ways on how to help migrating birds this season, check out tips from ABC staff here.
Featured photo: Juvenile Eastern bluebirds by Steve Byland, Shutterstock
