The western bluebird is an insectivore, with more than two-thirds of its diet coming from insects. A cherry grower in The Dalles, Oregon, is putting new focus on his integrated pest management practices to bring a more natural and balanced ecosystem into the orchard. Mike Omeg is shifting his insecticide program from what he describes as a “scorched earth” approach to one using softer materials and doing things to encourage biodiversity in the orchards, such as installing nesting boxes and raptor perches to attract insect- and rodent-eating birds, bats, and owls. “We want to encourage more bluebirds and tree swallows […]