Yes, Plant more native plants of all kinds! But to encourage birds in your yard... especially the trees, whose leaves feed many insects including the thousands of moth species, that as caterpillars feed those many birds while here to grow each batch of fledglings, but also that feed those migrating birds as they head south for the winter.
Caterpillars are made up of proteins and fat, which provide the nutrients for growth and the long lasting energy needed for those long flights. FYI - Doug Tallamy has written other books about insects and plants as well as having several video presentations available online to watch. In his books, he has great information, charts of plants to grow for each region, and fabulous photos that he shares in print and in the videos.
Thanks for the affirmation of Doug Tallamy's works. I'm very glad to see more people every day getting turned on the importance of using native plants in our backyards.
Thank you for spreading the word about caterpillars as essential bird food and native plants as essential caterpillar food! We really need more people to understand this truth and do their own part in supplying viable habitat wherever they live. If only we could cut all those useless, sterile lawn acres in half, we would be making a significant difference. Educate the young!
I have had such a disconnect from appreciating the critical relationship of bugs to birds to humans. My mindset is expanding from fear of insects, seeing only that they do damage, to allowing/supporting the interconnected relationship of native plants, bugs, birds, people that gives beauty to our lives.
I know exactly what you mean, Sallie. I feel as if I'm re-educating my attitude toward insects. Now that I understand how completely the birds depend on them.
Stunning photos! I had an immature female chestnut sided scooting up and down every branch of an old redbud tree just outside my front window, looking under every leaf, poking at the stem of every seed pod. It was magical to see her so close. Safe journey little one. I will look for you next May on your way back to your nesting grounds up north.
Yes, Plant more native plants of all kinds! But to encourage birds in your yard... especially the trees, whose leaves feed many insects including the thousands of moth species, that as caterpillars feed those many birds while here to grow each batch of fledglings, but also that feed those migrating birds as they head south for the winter.
Caterpillars are made up of proteins and fat, which provide the nutrients for growth and the long lasting energy needed for those long flights. FYI - Doug Tallamy has written other books about insects and plants as well as having several video presentations available online to watch. In his books, he has great information, charts of plants to grow for each region, and fabulous photos that he shares in print and in the videos.
Thanks for the affirmation of Doug Tallamy's works. I'm very glad to see more people every day getting turned on the importance of using native plants in our backyards.
Thanks for the book recommendation.
It's one of the most life-changing books I've ever read. Let me know what you think.
Thank you for spreading the word about caterpillars as essential bird food and native plants as essential caterpillar food! We really need more people to understand this truth and do their own part in supplying viable habitat wherever they live. If only we could cut all those useless, sterile lawn acres in half, we would be making a significant difference. Educate the young!
I have had such a disconnect from appreciating the critical relationship of bugs to birds to humans. My mindset is expanding from fear of insects, seeing only that they do damage, to allowing/supporting the interconnected relationship of native plants, bugs, birds, people that gives beauty to our lives.
I have come to appreciate the nibbles that I find on my native plants' leaves. I find myself thinking, "Oh goody; this is feeding somebody!"
It is a wholly different feeling about the garden, isn't it?
I know exactly what you mean, Sallie. I feel as if I'm re-educating my attitude toward insects. Now that I understand how completely the birds depend on them.
I’m hopeful more humans will continue to have the ‘aha’ experience about insects and birds .
Amen!
And thanks for your vote for the good guys (the native plants and native insects)and the native birds and other animals that depend on them.
PS I am a Doug Tallamy *groupie*. Our farm is on the map because #wefarmforbirds
Good on you! This is how it works, one bit of private land at a time. And thank you for reading and commenting.
Stunning photos! I had an immature female chestnut sided scooting up and down every branch of an old redbud tree just outside my front window, looking under every leaf, poking at the stem of every seed pod. It was magical to see her so close. Safe journey little one. I will look for you next May on your way back to your nesting grounds up north.
They are gorgeous, aren't they, in their chartreuse plumage? I think they're even prettier in fall than in spring.