How embracing nature's balance can protect birds and biodiversity

To the editor:

A few weeks ago, there was a large number of iridescent grackles pecking on our lawn. They congregated in one spot and then moved along, as if one organism, nibbling all the while. I had never seen that before. So, I Googled “large number of birds pecking on lawn.” Google let me know the birds were searching for grubs or larvae living beneath the grass which, “indicates a potential pest problem in your lawn.”

A problem? But the bugs are outside, where they are supposed to be, and the birds are getting a nice meal. To me, that’s the opposite of a problem. Google then led me down a path of pesticide information and how to handle this “issue.” I don’t use pesticides on my lawn and don’t see grubs and larvae living in the dirt as an issue. I let the bugs proliferate, the birds eat them, and the leaves lie where they fall to create protection for all types of critters. If we see bugs as a problem, as something to be handled by chemicals, we are adding to the population loss of the birds, beautiful animals who disperse seeds, eat pests, and pollinate our world. Not to mention, they are a balm to the soul in chaotic times. In this age of climate change, leave the bugs, leave the leaves, forego the chemicals, take a breath and help birds and nature thrive.

JENNIFER UNTER