Something’s Changing
For many years we have been feeding our wild bird friends over the winter, but a couple years ago we began to notice something different. Having a farm that never used commercial pesticides there were always enough insects for the birds and we stopped feeding in late March/April until the next fall. In 2018 we realized that our insect population had declined drastically even though we were still operating in the same way. We had always had a fairly large barn swallow population, but this too declined to only 3 birds. Swallows only go where there are bugs. In response to this new situation, we started feeding our wild bird friends year-round.
Reason for This Change
I also began researching the reason for what we were experiencing and what I learned was frightening. More than 40% of insect types are declining and about one-third are in danger of extinction. This means that if we do not feed them, we will also lose a large percentage of our bird population. So, at least here, we feed all year and have as many as 100 birds on any given day. I must add that there is also a variety each day of who comes to the table. We even have a small flock of sparrows that would normally leave in the fall and return in the spring. This year they have stayed through the winter. I can only assume that this is because of the food supply. In addition to these sparrows, our guest list includes cardinals, doves, blue jays, chickadees, bluebirds, mocking birds, one small-sized woodpecker, finches, hummingbirds, wrens, red-winged blackbirds, and one wild turkey when she is raising her young. Last year she brought two friends along but they were shy and didn’t come to the table. There are also several hawks and buzzards, but they are more interested in the rodent population and do not come to eat with the other guests.
Causes for Frightening Decline
I continued searching for the reasons behind this decline of insects and found that a major problem is factory or industrial farming, see Other Health Risks of the Meat Industry for more information. With the mass destruction of trees to clear fields, insects lose their habitat and, as a result, die. A second problem is the tremendous use of chemicals. Pesticides not only kill the intended target but any insect or small animal that happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Human Health Issues Related to Pesticides give more details concerning this problem. Climate change is also indicated as a reason for insect decline. Insects cannot survive extreme drought, floods, or the rise in temperatures.
How All of Us Can Help
As I continued reading, I found a few suggestions about what we can do to help solve this serious problem. First, let your grass grow taller and plant wildflowers that you purchase locally. Also, buy food from local farmers or grow at least some of your own. It is surprising how much you can grow in containers. Of primary importance stop using pesticides and insecticides. Finally, join us and feed the birds. I know firsthand how much they appreciate it.