27 Feb What’s Killing Our Birds? The Answer Might Be in Your Garden
As the weather warms up, the battle against bugs begins. Mosquitoes buzzing around your head, beetles in the garden, caterpillars munching on your plants—it’s easy to see them as nothing more than pests.
But before you reach for the spray or swat that bug away, consider this: those same insects are a critical food source for birds, pollinators for plants, and a foundation for ecosystems that keep our world in balance.
Birds and bugs are inextricably linked, even if a bird species doesn’t eat them directly. Yet for decades, our war on insects has had devastating consequences for bird populations—far beyond the well-known DDT crisis.
Why Bugs Matter More Than You Think
Pesticides are still being detected in the blood of seabirds, while studies show a staggering decline in insect biomass worldwide. Fewer bugs mean fewer food sources for birds, disrupted migration patterns, and an ecosystem teetering on imbalance.
I get it. As someone who grew up with Texas mosquitoes, keeps a garden, and tends to fruit trees, I know that bugs can feel like Enemy No. 1. The tobacco hornworm? I have no love for those guys—until I remember that they transform into hawk moths, valuable nighttime pollinators that keep ecosystems thriving.
And they’re not alone. Many insects that seem like pests play crucial roles:
🦋 Butterflies and bees pollinate native plants and crops.
🌱 Beetles and ants break down organic matter, keeping soil healthy.
🦟 Even mosquitoes (unfortunately) are food for birds, bats, and fish.
A Delicate Balance: What We Can Do
Coexisting with bugs isn’t always easy, but just as migratory birds like the Swainson’s Hawk pull entire continents together, insects reveal how interconnected life truly is.
Here’s how we can make a difference:
✔ Reconsider pesticides—opt for organic or targeted pest control methods.
✔ Plant native flowers and trees to support insect populations and the birds that depend on them.
✔ Leave some messy spaces—a patch of wildflowers, a rotting log, or a nightlight turned off can make a big difference. Mulch with dead leaves instead of throwing them away reduces methane build up in landfills
Bugs are at the base of the food chain, and their decline ripples outward. The more we understand this connection, the more we can make choices that protect the birds, the bugs, and ultimately, the planet we all share.
Want to see conservation in action? Every experience at Avian Behavior International includes a behind-the-scenes look at our regenerative farm, where we create a thriving ecosystem for birds, bugs, and beyond. Spring is program season! Did you know you can book our birds for a dynamic program or birthday party? Check out our programs page and experience our birds first hand!