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October 29, 2024October 28th, 2024
Protect Insects, Protect Birds!
Author: Sydney Kiser
Migration is a natural phenomenon where organisms travel long distances to find suitable habitats and food during seasonal changes. Many bird species migrate to warmer areas during winter or to specific nesting grounds to mate, requiring significant energy for their journeys. Unfortunately, increasing habitat loss, light pollution, man-made barriers, and extreme weather are putting hundreds of migratory species at risk. Compounding this issue, the populations of insects—vital food sources for some birds—are also declining.
Insect populations are decreasing by about nine percent per decade, with recent studies showing declines ranging from twenty to seventy-five percent in insect biomass, diversity, and abundance over past decades. Protecting these insects is critical, as they provide essential services within our ecosystems—including eating other insects and pollination. In addition, many migratory birds rely on insects for energy, timing their migrations to align with peak insect abundance at stopover points. This delicate relationship is illustrated by the fact that the terrestrial bird population relying on insects as a primary food source has decreased by almost three billion in North America in the last five decades.
Globally, habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture, and corporate accountability can bolster insect populations. On an individual level, small daily changes can also make a difference:
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Insect-friendly gardens: Choose native plants for your garden, as they thrive in local conditions and provide ideal habitats for insects. Allowing your garden to transition naturally from the summer into colder months can also provide refuge for insects that take shelter among the dying plants. If space is limited, consider a potted native plant on a balcony.
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Leave your leaves: Avoid mowing and raking your yard. Allowing grass and leaf litter to accumulate supports insects that use these areas for shelter and breeding. If mowing is necessary, do it in early spring to benefit early-season pollinators.
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Keep water clean: Use natural cleaners to minimize harmful chemicals entering local water sources, protecting both insects and the wildlife that depend on them.
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Reconsider pesticide use: Opting for organic alternatives, focusing on targeted applications, or avoiding use altogether can help promote insect biodiversity and keep detrimental chemicals away from wildlife and your family.
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Appreciate insects: Advocate for pollinator-friendly initiatives and educate others about the essential roles insects play in our ecosystems. Understanding their contributions can foster greater protection for these species.
By recognizing and supporting the intricate relationship between insects and migratory birds, we can contribute to the health of our ecosystems and protect these vital populations.