Crashing Bird Populations: Lawns Or Birds?

      Recent news about bird populations declining by nearly a third in the United States should make people think twice about the future. More than likely, it will be passing news until the next report, perhaps not that far away, about a two thirds or more decline.
      The well known threats to birds and reasons for their decline include habitat loss, domestic cats living or allowed outside, pesticides, herbicides, declines in certain insect populations, and more.
      Anyone that owns a home, property or land can help birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Green grass lawns requires a large amount of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides that harms wildlife, rivers, lakes and oceans. Lawns can be put to far better use by growing trees and other plants that benefit birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Lawns and other spaces can be used to grow trees and other plants that provide food for people and wildlife, shelter and habitat for birds and other wildlife, while requiring fewer (or no) fertilizers and chemicals.
      Jobs will be lost in conventional landscaping but gained in alternative landscaping. People and wildlife will be healthier. This will not stop the decline in bird populations in and of itself, but it will help birds.