All over the world, birds provide valuable ecosystem services by defending crops, such as grapes and coffee, from insects. In the Upper Peninsula, migratory songbirds help protect the forest from pests such as tent caterpillars. American goldfinches feed mostly on seeds, but in our homestead’s orchard they also forage for insects in the apple blossoms.  Eastern bluebirds and eastern phoebes bring many types of insects to their young.

American goldfinch with tent caterpillars

Eastern bluebird male with cricket

Eastern phoebe with larva