observations from our small plot of land

[Victoria Pich]

This year we have seen only one bat. We also have noticed very few insects. Usually I have to be vigilant about making sure no water is standing in a tub or pot, because mosquitos would reproduce in it, but this year we have seen none. Also, we have seen very few swallows, when usually we have a lot. Every year we have a pair that nest in one of our nesting boxes, and this year they returned and laid eggs, but the baby chicks died and the parents disappeared. We wonder if there has been so much spraying of insecticide that there are no insects for them to feed themselves and their young. Thoughts or observations from anyone else?

[suzanne sanders]

oops, it decide to post it in two places LOL 

[suzanne sanders]

We have only seen one bat in the last few days.   I see about 10 swallows,( that is really low).  A few bumble bees,  honey bees really low, native pollinators extremely low, hardly any yellow jackets, no wood wasps, a couple butterflies, a couple of dragonflies, and the frogs have been weirdly quite? I am not sure on the mosquitoes, we did see them up in the mountain.  Sophia pointed out that the bug population must really be low.  She noticed this because when she was younger she and I would hang out, by the front of the car and watch the yellow jackets take the fresh dead bugs off the radiator.  It was fascinating to watch.  The other day we were at the beach and she looked at the radiator and noticed there were hardly any bugs.  This is very unusual.    I believe it would be a combination of agricultural chemicals.  It is a chemical stew out there.  We could very well be on our way to a real Silent Spring.   If the people do not act.  I say this because it is our purchases that make a difference.  If you buy foods that are not organic, not local organic, then you support a system that pollutes this earth and kills its creatures.  All of our indicator species are screaming at us and most of the population is doing nothing.  They still continue to support bad farming practices.    We can change this if we ( all of us) spend our money on environmentally friendly foods.  Side Note:  You really have to know your farmers.  My daughter Sophia has had the experience of hearing local farmers lie about what their practices are.    Please as a consumer ask a lot of questions, I suggest you also ask them if they have a Agricultural Chemical License.   If they do, walk away.  Even if they told you they are no spray or organic and not certified.   Truly get to know your farmer!   ODA Pesticide Licensing  http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/pages/licensing_index.aspx