Wild Ones Bird Lover
Margy Terpstra responded to Donna Short with the following thoughts:
“My deep connection to Nature has always been through birds. So, when I joined Wild Ones, it was with the thought of learning all I could about native plants to add to our yard that would benefit our native birds.”
“All of Missouri’s native birds, resident and migratory, have co-evolved with native plants and native insects that feed on these plants. Birds need this essential insect food and by keeping insect numbers in check, the birds keep the plants healthy. Thus, native birds are an important indicator of health in our ecosystems.”
Golden-winged warbler
Photo by Margy Terpstra
”Every year, we’ve added birds to our yard list which now stands at 156 species. The Golden-winged Warbler is the most endangered bird that we’ve recorded. It is on the Watch List and most at risk of extinction. This striking beauty taught me a huge lesson the first time I observed it poking its bill into an “Oddball” on Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). Leaf-tier moth caterpillars use their silk to weave the leaves together into a protective pouch, called an “Oddball.” These caterpillars, one species of nine supported by the Smooth Hydrangea, became an important meal sought out by this struggling bird.”
”This experience also taught me that native plants like the Smooth Hydrangea may not have as big an impact in supporting birds as our Keystone plants like the Oak species, which support 429 species of Lepidoptera. Yet, it made a difference to one. So, second lesson, plant as much diversity as possible, it truly does make a difference!”
post by Margy Terpstra and Donna Short, Chapter members and volunteers
To learn more about our Keystone Member series and other members we are highlighting
visit: https://stlwildones.org/keystone-members/
You did not mention your educational bird blog.