Observing the wonders that exist right outside our windows can incite curiosity and encourage us to comprehend environments beyond our own. I had this very same experience lately as I stood at my patio door as the sun set on a cool summer day to watch two finches hop from plant to plant as they made their way to a succulent my dog previously dissected.

The succulent had been thriving as of lately, but with no rain in sight, it seems the water stored in every leaf called the finches who were seeking a juicy meal. Each peck of the plant awarded them with stored water that appeared to quench their thirst. As an observer, I was in awe. It was the first time I witnessed birds consuming succulents in my yard, so I did not think much of it.

Upon their departure, I quickly jumped on my phone to research the experience. The keywords I selected, ‘finch eating succulent leaves,’ yielded several articles. I began scanning the heading of each one, but to my dismay, several were focused on preventing birds from eating succulents which concerned me.

I clicked on two articles that appeared to detail how plant owners could prevent ‘pesky’ birds from consuming a person’s prized plant. As I skimmed through the articles, I came to the realization that plant owners may not always appreciate the benefits that outdoor species provide to our gardens, and the important roles they play in increasing the biodiversity that exists in the world.

The species that live in our gardens, parks, and backyards are more than just visitors, or a nuisance to some, they are pollinators and seed distributers. They balance ecosystems that are sometimes highly toxic for them and even for humans, but their work often goes unnoticed because humans spend more time indoors and make buildings their habitat rather than the outdoors. Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), humans spend an estimated 90-percent of their time indoors. It is no wonder many humans lack understanding of the outdoor world!

In hindsight, seeing the finches nibble, yank, and nip at the succulents brought a feeling of pure joy and a sense of appreciation for their contributions to the urban mosaic I live in. Sure, the succulent may disagree, but it should find comfort in knowing that its presence provides more than just beauty to the human eye; it also nourishes life beyond its own.

Gracias!