06/11/2026
I recently met Desirée Narango, a Conservation Scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies who studies relationships between birds, insects, and plants in yards and gardens. She recently gave a great talk with Grow Native Massachusetts titled “How to Grow a Better Bird Feeder.”
The bird population in North America has decreased by 3 billion since 1970. Not just rare species, but common backyard birds too, due to habitat loss as well as declines in a major food source: insects.
From Desirée:
“Insects provide the essential nutrients for all the major events in a bird’s life — from growing in the nest, to migrating long distances, to surviving cold winters. In fact, globally, >90% of songbirds eat insects and other invertebrates.
When we fill our yards with plants that don’t support insects, we’re disrupting the stability of food webs. A bird feeder is good for birdwatching. But most birds don’t eat seeds. What birds really need are nutritious insects, and to get the insects, you need the right plants.”
Desirée shared tips to support birds all year:
1: Plant native plants, which support more insect prey for birds. For example, Desiree’s research shows we need at least 70% native plants for chickadees to find enough caterpillars to raise their young.
2: Choose keystone plants, which are native plants that support even more interactions with insects and birds. Oak trees support enormous caterpillar diversity and fuel birds on their migratory journeys, even species of high conservation concern.
3: Create a soft landing. Leaf litter and shade plants under trees give insects a safe place to pupate and overwinter, and give birds a place to forage too.
4: Garden sustainably. Reduce or eliminate pesticides to create safe habitat for birds.
Find native and keystone plants for your garden: homegrownnationalpark.org
More about soft landings: pollinatorsnativeplants.com/softlandings.html
More about Desirée’s research, visit vtecostudies.org
About me: I am a professional garden coach and consultant. Visit my website for information about how to book a consultation https://www.youcandoitgardening.com
