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For many people, our first encounters with vultures are as dark, shadowy, even menacing figures in fairy tales. That’s a shame, because vultures play helpful, even indispensable, roles maintaining ecological balance across five continents. They contribute to human health and even anti-poaching efforts in remarkable, rarely lauded ways.

Recent work around our Snow Leopard Himalayan itineraries has gotten me hooked on learning about bearded vultures, and vultures’ essential roles as nature’s clean up crews—they’re fascinating!

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Here are the basics and where you can spot vultures in the wild, too.

Bearded Vulture Basics

Bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), also known as lammergeiers or ossifrage (Latin for “bone breaker”), are among the most striking members of the vulture family. They are uniquely adapted to thrive in rugged, high-altitude environments and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.

Ecologists estimate that there are between 2,000 and 10,000 living lammergeiers.

Bearded Vulture Size and Appearance:

• Bearded vultures are one of the largest birds of prey, with a wingspan of 7.5 to 9 feet (2.3 to 2.8 meters) and a weight ranging from 10 to 16.5 pounds (4.5 to 7.5 kilograms).
• Their striking plumage features dark wings, a pale body, and a dramatic red “mask” around the eyes, with feathers that often appear orange due to iron oxide from mud-bathing.
• These impressive birds are built for soaring, allowing them to cover vast territories in search of food. All vultures have very long, broad wings that allow them to soar gracefully at great heights, catching the thermals and remaining aloft for hours with minimal effort. With their keen eyesight, they can scan for carrion or spot other vultures descending to prey from miles away.

Bone-Eating Vulture Specialists:

• Bearded vultures are renowned for their diet, which consists almost entirely of bones—up to 90% of their intake. This unique adaptation gives them access to calcium and phosphorus, essential nutrients often unavailable to other scavengers.
• To crack large bones, they drop them from heights of 150 to 500 feet onto rocky surfaces, a behavior that has earned them the nickname ossifrage—”bone breakers.” This extraordinary preference gives them access to critical nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, essential for survival.
• Their stomachs are highly specialized, with acidic digestive juices capable of dissolving bone fragments within 24 hours—it’s the same pH as battery acid! This adaptation allows bearded vultures to thrive in rugged environments where food is scarce, and where other scavengers might struggle to find sufficient nourishment.

Bearded Vulture Habitat and Range:

• These birds inhabit mountainous regions across Europe, Africa and Asia, nesting on high cliffs to avoid predators and disturbance.
• Key ranges include the Alps, Pyrenees, Caucasus, Ethiopian Highlands and the Himalayas. They prefer areas with abundant ungulate populations, which provide a steady supply of carcasses.

Bearded Vulture Conservation Status:

• Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, bearded vultures face threats from habitat loss, poisoning (both intentional and accidental) and reduced food availability.
• In Europe, reintroduction programs have successfully boosted populations in the Alps, where they were previously extinct. Efforts focus on preventing poisoning incidents and ensuring safe food supplies.

Where to Spot Vultures in the Wild

Natural Habitat Adventures provides opportunities to witness various vulture species across different destinations:

• Griffon Vultures in Croatia & Slovenia: On Nat Hab’s Croatia & Slovenia Nature Adventure, guests spot griffon vultures soaring over the Adriatic landscapes.
• Turkey Vultures in the Grand Canyon: The United States is home to three of the vulture species listed above: turkey vultures, black vultures and the endangered California condor. Grand Canyon National Park is home to turkey vultures, easily spotted gliding over the vast canyon vistas. Guests on two Nat Hab trips, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion itinerary or our Grand Canyon & Sedona Explorer, spot turkey vultures over the Grand Canyon.
• African Vultures on Safari: African safaris in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania offer sightings of several vulture species, including the lappet-faced, white-backed and Rueppeli’s vultures, integral to savanna ecosystems.

Adult bearded vulture among griffon vultures in Europe

Benefits of Vultures in Ecosystems Worldwide

Vultures are a diverse group of scavenging birds found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Globally, there are 23 vulture species, each playing a vital role in their respective ecosystems.

Human Health Benefits: Vultures’ scavenging behavior is crucial for ecosystem health, preventing disease outbreaks and recycling nutrients. Their decline can lead to increased carcass accumulation, resulting in higher incidences of diseases.

The health benefits to humans of vultures should not be understated—WWF has shared that in India, hundreds of thousands of human deaths are said to be traced back to the collapse of the vulture population.

Anti-Poaching Support: WWF recently invested in tracking white-backed vulture movements. White-backed vultures play a pivotal role in their African ecosystems, including helping to detect animals killed illegally by poachers.

White-backed Vulture, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Information from collaring vultures will inform wildlife movement and distribution in the Zimbabwe portion of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA). Collaring vultures allows researchers to do a few different and important things:

• Track movement patterns and foraging habits: By tracking foraging behaviors like migratory routes and habitat use, researchers can improve conservation strategies. Vultures travel long distances at low energy cost, a skill they need to find food. Tagging other animals such as zebras has allowed us to better understand incredible, cross-continental movements, and we are interested to see how vultures play into this activity.
• Connect vultures with mammal movements: Vulture movements often align with those of large mammals. Tracking them will provide more insight into how other wildlife in the area interact with the landscape.
• Monitor environmental health and poaching activities: Changes in vulture populations and behavior signal shifts in the ecosystem, possibly due to human activities or climate change. Tagged vultures have also been used as sentinels for poaching activities and have even led authorities to discover incidents where animals are poisoned.

Griffon Vultures

Vulture Species Worldwide

Vulture species vary widely, from the massive Andean condor in South America to the critically endangered white-backed vulture in Africa. Each of the 23 vulture species has adapted to specific habitats and feeding behaviors, contributing uniquely to ecosystem health.

Vultures are categorized into two groups: New World vultures are found in North and South America and are represented by seven species belonging to five genera. Old World vultures are found throughout the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe and are represented by 16 species belonging to nine genera. The two groups are not genetically closely related; instead, their similarities are due to convergent evolution (species have different ancestral origins and have developed similar features).

Indian Vulture

Old World Vultures (Family: Accipitridae):

• Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus):
  Habitat: Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia; commonly found in mountainous regions and open plains, including thriving populations on the Iberian Peninsula, in the Balkans, and across the Alps.
• White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus):
  Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; prefers savannas and woodlands.
• Rueppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli):
  Habitat: Central and East Africa; inhabits savannas and grasslands.
• Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis):
  Habitat: Himalayan ranges; found in high-altitude regions.
• Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus):
  Habitat: Indian subcontinent; resides in cities, towns, and countryside.
• Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris):
  Habitat: South and Southeast Asia; favors lowland regions.
• Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres):
  Habitat: Southern Africa; prefers cliffs and open savannas.

Hooded Vulture

• Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus):
  Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; commonly found near human settlements.
• Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos):
• Habitat: Africa and the Middle East; inhabits arid savannas and deserts.
• Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus):
  Habitat: Southern Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East; prefers forested mountains.
• Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus):
  Habitat: Southern Europe, Africa, and South Asia; found in open terrains.
• Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus):
  Habitat: Mountainous regions in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus):
  Habitat: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia; prefers open country.
• White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis):
  Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; found in savannas and woodlands.
• Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis):
  Habitat: West and Central Africa; associated with palm trees and wetlands.
  The palm nut vulture is unique among vultures for its diet, which includes palm nuts and carrion, aiding in seed dispersal and carcass disposal.
• Indian White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis):
  Habitat: South and Southeast Asia; commonly found near human habitation.

Turkey Vultures

New World Vultures (Family: Cathartidae):

• Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura):
  Habitat: Widespread across the Americas; adaptable to various environments.
  The turkey vulture possesses a keen sense of smell to locate carrion, preventing disease spread.
• Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus):
  Habitat: Americas; found in open areas and near human settlements.
• California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus):
  Habitat: Western United States; inhabits rocky shrubland and coniferous forests.
• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus):
  Habitat: South American Andes; prefers open grasslands and alpine regions.

California Condor at Grand Canyon National Park

Threats to Vulture Populations

Vultures face unprecedented threats, which have led to alarming population declines worldwide. These declines have profound ecological and human health implications, underscoring the urgency of effective conservation measures.

Across Africa, vulture populations have catastrophically declined over the last 50 years, with overall decline rates of up to 97%. Today, 7 out of 11 African-Eurasian vulture species are at risk of extinction, underlining this decline.

Poisoning:

• Intentional Poisoning: In Africa, poisoning accounts for over 60% of vulture deaths. Farmers targeting predators like lions inadvertently poison vultures that consume the tainted carcasses. In West Africa, vultures are hunted for traditional medicine and rituals.
• Veterinary Pharmaceuticals: The veterinary drug diclofenac caused a 99.9% decline in white-rumped vultures in South Asia within two decades. Even minimal residues in livestock carcasses are lethal to vultures.

Electrocution and Collisions:

• Vultures are susceptible to collisions with energy infrastructure, including power lines and wind turbines, leading to fatalities. 

Habitat Loss:

• Expansion of agriculture and urban development encroaches on vulture habitats, reducing nesting and foraging areas.

Ecological and Human Health Consequences

The decline of vulture populations has led to increased carcass decomposition times, resulting in higher populations of scavengers like rats and feral dogs. This shift has been linked to the spread of diseases such as rabies and anthrax, with studies estimating an additional 500,000 human deaths in India between 2000 and 2005 due to the collapse of vulture populations. 

Andean Condor

Vulture Conservation and Its Impact

Legislation and Policy Changes:

• Banning Harmful Drugs: India banned veterinary diclofenac in 2006, leading to stabilization of vulture populations, though recovery remains slow.

Captive Breeding and Reintroduction:

• The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Center in India has successfully bred and released critically endangered vultures, contributing to population restoration.

Community Engagement and Education:

• Numerous programs in Africa educate communities on the ecological importance of vultures, promoting coexistence and reducing persecution.

Research and Monitoring:

• Organizations like the Vulture Conservation Foundation conduct research to inform conservation strategies, including tracking vulture movements and studying their ecology.
• In India, WWF announced Vulture Count 2024, a crucial citizen-science initiative aimed at monitoring and conserving India’s vulture populations.

Vultures play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health and preventing disease transmission. Addressing the threats they face through comprehensive conservation efforts is essential not only for their survival but also for the well-being of human populations.

California Condor

The post Bearded Vultures and Beyond: Where to See Nature’s Clean Up Crew first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Orcas are among the ocean’s most intelligent and social predators, captivating us with their strong family bonds, advanced hunting strategies, and cultural behaviors. Found in every ocean, they play a vital role in marine ecosystems and are a powerful symbol of ocean health. Yet many orca populations face mounting threats that demand urgent action.

Quick Orca Facts

• Size: Males typically range from 20 to 26 feet (6 to 8 meters) long and weigh in excess of 6 tons. Females are smaller, generally ranging from 16 to 23 feet (5 to 7 meters) and weighing about 3 to 4 tons. Larger male orcas have been recorded at up to 32 feet and over 10 tons.
• Habitat: Found in every ocean, from polar waters to tropical seas, orcas clearly demonstrate a preference for coastal environments over the open ocean. The highest densities of orcas are in the northeast Atlantic around Norway, in the north Pacific along the Aleutian Islands, the Gulf of Alaska and in the Southern Ocean off much of the coast of Antarctica.
• Diet: Includes a growing number of types of fish, seals, and whales, with hunting methods passed down culturally.
• Social Structure: Live in pods with strong bonds and unique vocal dialects.
• IUCN status: Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species

In this article, we’ll dive into four extraordinary orca stories, showcasing their hunting habits, social structures, and remarkable ways they adapt to a changing world.

1. Do Orcas wear salmon hats?

In late 2024, a photo of an orca swimming with a salmon on its head went viral, reigniting interest in a quirky behavior first documented in the 1980s: orcas wearing “dead salmon hats.”

This unique trend, originating among the critically endangered Southern Resident orcas in the Pacific Northwest, involved balancing dead fish on their heads. Initially, the behavior spread across pods but disappeared within a few years. The recent image, published by the Orca Network, sparked speculation that the trend was making a comeback, but experts remain skeptical.

Salmon Hat Orca Sightings

• Two observations of orcas with fish on their heads were reported in Washington State in South Puget Sound and off Point No Point in late October 2024.
• The Orca Network, a nonprofit dedicated to killer whale education, captured and shared one of these sightings in their newsletter, fueling public fascination.

Where is the Salish Sea?

• The Salish Sea, named after the first inhabitants of the region – the Coast Salish – includes the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and the waters off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia. The area spans from Olympia, Washington, in the south to the Campbell River, British Columbia, in the north, and west to Neah Bay.

Do scientists believe salmon hats are back?

• Scientists have commented that it is a stretch to interpret two incidents as a revival of the salmon hat fad, emphasizing that if the behavior were widespread, it would have been documented more extensively, given the high levels of observation of the Southern Resident orca population.

The 1980s Origin of the Salmon Hats Fad

• In the 1980s, the dead salmon hat trend began among the Southern Residents before spreading to other pods in the Pacific Northwest. It quickly faded and had not been observed for decades until these recent sightings.
• Some experts remain cautious about declaring the return of the fad, but marine mammal experts acknowledge that orcas, like humans, engage in complex cultural behaviors. Whether it’s dragging seaweed in “kelping” or investigating floating objects, these interactions highlight the intelligence and adaptability of orcas.

Despite the excitement surrounding the salmon hat sightings, scientists stress the need for a broader understanding and conservation of the critically endangered Southern Resident Salish Sea population, numbering just 73 individuals as of 2024.

Two of our trips offer an opportunity to see Southern Resident orcas:

• Spirit Bears, Humpbacks & Wildlife of British Columbia
• Haida Gwaii: Islands at the Edge of the World

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2. Orcas Add Whale Sharks to Diet Using Novel Techniques

Orcas are known for their diverse diets and advanced hunting strategies, and the next two stories highlight previously unobserved hunting strategies in orca populations in two different parts of the world.

In the first, orcas in Mexico’s Gulf of California have added an extraordinary target to their menu: whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Whale sharks can grow up to 60 feet long,

A recent study in Frontiers in Marine Science details how orcas in the Gulf of California have developed unique techniques to hunt the marine giants.

Between 2018 and 2024, marine biologists documented four instances of orcas preying on whale sharks in the southern Gulf of California. These events were captured in photographs and videos by scientists and members of the public.

Collaborative Orca Hunting Tactics

• Orcas target juvenile or smaller whale sharks, often found in specific Gulf locations.
• The hunting pod flips the shark upside down, inducing tonic immobility—a state where the shark becomes paralyzed and defenseless.
• Once immobilized, the orcas attack the shark’s ventral side, where muscle and cartilage are minimal, allowing access to vital organs like the lipid-rich liver.

Notable Orca Individuals

• A male orca nicknamed Moctezuma was present in three of the four recorded hunts, often accompanied by a female from his pod.
• These repeat sightings suggest that certain orca pods may specialize in hunting whale sharks, indicating learned or cultural behavior.

Scientific Implications

• Whale shark livers are highly nutritious. Several of the orcas were observed with whale shark carrion in their mouths during an attack on May 26, 2024
• The documented events suggest that orcas in the Gulf of California have developed region-specific and collaborative skills, though similar behaviors may exist elsewhere and remain undocumented.

The orcas’ strategic and intelligent hunting of whale sharks offers a glimpse into their adaptability and reinforces their status as apex predators. These findings deepen our understanding of orca behavior and stress the importance of protecting both orcas and their prey to maintain oceanic balance.

3. Shark-Hunting Orca Pair off the Coast of Southern Africa

If orcas in the Gulf of California are practicing hunting larger prey, a duo off Southern Africa has mastered it.

In June 2023, researchers and tourists off the South African coast near Seal Island, Mossel Bay, observed a groundbreaking event: a single male orca killed a great white shark in under two minutes.

The behavior, documented in the African Journal of Marine Science, challenges conventional understanding of orca hunting dynamics and ecosystem health.

Port and Starboard: Shark-Hunting Specialists

A pair of male orcas have been killing sharks along a stretch of southern African coastline since at least 2015, expertly removing the sharks’ nutrient-rich livers and discarding the rest. The duo is easily identifiable by their distinctive collapsed dorsal fins—one tips to the right, the other to the left – inspiring their names: Starboard and Port.

Starboard and Port were first spotted off the coast of southern Namibia in 2009. They travel vast distances, from Namibia south, around the Cape of Good Hope, into False Bay, and then on to South Africa’s eastern coastline. And they leave a wake of shark carcasses with their livers removed, including a great white up to 16 feet long.

Prior to 2015, scientists believed orcas in the False Bay area only preyed on marine mammals; Port and Starboard began hunting copper sharks and ocean sunfish right away.

Then, they started attacking alone.

Starboard was first filmed via drone, killing a great white in May 2022 around Mossel Bay, South Africa, alongside four other orcas. After the attack, great white sharks fled the area for at least seven weeks.

On February 24, 2023, Port and Starboard killed 17 sevengill sharks in a single day off the coast of Pearly Beach. Every one of their livers had been precisely removed.

In June 2023, scientists and visitors in boats observed Starboard killing a great white shark. It was the first recorded instance of an orca attacking a great white shark alone.

Previously observed attacks on great whites involved between two and six orcas and took up to two hours, according to the study. Starboard removed the shark’s liver in under two minutes.

Ecological and Environmental Implications

Selective Feeding Behavior

The livers of great whites are enormous organs, about a third of their body mass, and rich in lipids, and the orcas discard the rest of the carcass — selective feeding behavior that’s known among other carnivores, such as harbor seals, brown bears and wolves.

Broader Ecosystem Dynamics

There are a lot of unknowns about the orcas’ behavior. One thing is certain: The orcas are scaring off shark populations, which could have cascading negative effects on marine ecosystems.

Before 2015, False Bay was known for its large population of great white sharks; by 2020 sightings were reduced to nearly zero. Scientists are increasingly concerned for the coastal marine ecology balance; local businesses are concerned about the loss oof reveu from cage diving and opportunity to see unique breeching sharks.

As great whites are top predators, their absence may lead to population increases in mid-level predators, potentially disrupting prey populations and biodiversity of the local ecosystem; sharks serve as the main predators of Cape fur seals.

Orcas have long been recognized for their ability to learn and refine hunting techniques, either independently or through cultural transmission within pods. This adaptability enables them to respond to changes in their environment, underscoring their role as apex predators with profound ecological influence.

As their IUCN Data Deficient designation denotes, we do not know enough about orcas and their ecosystems. Researchers around the world aim to change that.

4. Orca Research: Drones Unlock New Conservation Frontiers

Back at the Salish Sea, scientists are racing to improve conservation efforts for this critically endangered orca population.

A groundbreaking project is using drones to collect and analyze orca breath, a non-invasive technique that offers critical insights into the whales’ health and environmental stressors.

The project was inspired by Scarlet, a Southern Resident orca who died in 2018. Despite visible signs of illness, researchers were unable to diagnose her condition in time to save her. Scarlet’s loss highlighted the urgent need for non-invasive, real-time health assessments for wild whales.

How Orca Breath Sampling Works

• Exhaled breath contains vital information, including hormones, bacteria, viruses, and other biomarkers that can reveal an individual whale’s health and overall population trends.
• Early detection of illnesses allows scientists to intervene before health issues become critical, potentially improving survival rates for vulnerable individuals.
• The ability to track health trends over time could revolutionize conservation strategies, making real-time, non-invasive orca veterinary assessments feasible.
• This approach is challenging; aligning the drone with a moving orca’s blowhole requires precision akin to solving a complex geometry problem.
• Scientists process the data to identify health indicators, track changes over time, and understand potential stressors impacting the population.

Challenges and Benefits of Monitoring Orca Breaths

Analyzing and interpreting complex health data from orca breath samples is a developing science, but by identifying health problems in their early stages, scientists can develop targeted conservation interventions.

This is particularly critical for the Southern Resident population, which faces numerous threats, including:

• declining prey availability,
• pollution, and
• noise disturbance from increased maritime activity.

The success of this program could serve as a model for other whale populations worldwide, offering a scalable approach to marine mammal conservation.

The orca breath project demonstrates how innovative technology can advance wildlife conservation. While the Southern Residents remain critically endangered, this hands-off approach provides hope for preserving the iconic pod. By unlocking the secrets of their breath, scientists are better equipped to understand and address the challenges they face, ensuring the survival of these extraordinary creatures for future generations.

Orca Conservation Considerations

Orcas face a host of threats, including:

• habitat degradation,
• declining prey populations,
• pollution, and
• climate change.

These may account, in part, for novel and changing behaviors.

Despite challenges, recent scientific studies and real-world encounters reveal the incredible resilience and complexity of orcas. From ingenious hunting techniques to groundbreaking research on their health and behavior, it’s clear we still have a lot to learn about orcas and the coastal ecosystems in which they live.

The post 4 Fascinating Orca Stories From Around the World first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Pollinators— including bees, butterflies, birds and bats—are essential for healthy ecosystems and our global food supply:

• According to WWF, almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of global crops depend on animal pollination.
• The USDA says one out of every three mouthfuls of food depends on pollinators, as do half of the world’s oils, fibers and raw materials.

Pollinators also prevent soil erosion and increase carbon sequestration. But habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have pushed many pollinators to the brink of species collapse. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), 40% of insect pollinator species are at risk of extinction globally. Some even more so: in North America, the monarch butterfly has experienced a significant decline, with populations decreasing by more than 80% over the past three decades.

Monarch butterflies

Beyond Bees: Which Animals Pollinate?

Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other animals—even lemurs, possums and reptiles—pollinate plants that sustain ecosystems. Pollinators visit flowers in search of food, mates, shelter, nest-building materials, and more. The energy that powers most pollinators comes from the sugars in nectar and the proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in pollen grains. As they move, pollinating animals transport pollen from plant to plant in interactions critical to the reproductive system of most flowering plants. It’s a partnership that most plants and pollinators require for survival.

Pallas’s Long-tongued bat

Which pollinators spend winter in the garden?

While spring and summer are typically peak pollinator seasons due to the number of blooming plants, weather conditions, animals coming out of hibernation and migration, work to support pollinators should not stop when temperatures drop. For butterfly species that do not migrate, strategies include surviving the winter in a dormant phase in cocoons, as caterpillars, and some can even survive as mature adults. Bumblebees and honeybees are two types of bees that overwinter in our gardens: Honeybees overwinter as an entire colony inside of a beehive. When the temperature drops below 50°F, honeybees stop foraging and begin to surround the queen bee in the central part of the hive. The workers protect the queen from the cold temperatures by shivering, which raises the temperature to around 80°F and then 98.6°F when the queen begins to lay eggs again. Honeybees consume their stored honey throughout the winter so they can produce the necessary amount of body heat required to maintain a constant temperature in their cluster.

For bumblebees, all of the worker bees and the old queen bee die before winter starts, leaving the young queens as the only surviving members of the colony. If the young queen bumblebees haven’t achieved a certain weight before winter, they will likely not survive, which is why it’s important for them to find many nectar-rich flowers in the fall. For native solitary bees, it is common for females to lay eggs in underground nests (mining bees, sweat bees, polyester bees) or in sealed and insulated cavities aboveground (leafcutting bees, mason bees). These eggs then hatch and survive the winter as dormant adults waiting to emerge in the spring or as developing pupae kept safe and warm inside nests. Once the weather is warm enough, emerged females will find their own independent nesting sites and lay the next generation of eggs. Some hummingbirds that live in warmer areas like California do not migrate.

Different species of butterflies hibernate at different stages of their life cycles; the caterpillar stage is when most butterflies overwinter. Many of these hibernating caterpillars individually attach themselves to leaves or tree branches and wrap themselves in a tube-like shelter made of the leaf. Other species, like the tawny emperors, gather in small groups and huddle in dried, curled-up leaves to overwinter. Moths, on the other hand, tend to overwinter as eggs, but for the few species that overwinter as pupas, they make warm cocoons underneath the ground or harbor in cellars, caves, sheds or even houses. Pollinators can be overwintering all over your garden!

Expert Advice to Support Overwintering Pollinators

I recently asked a long-time friend, California-based environmental designer Leigh Adams, whose work with water optimization, soil remediation and regenerative landscapes is featured at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden and Metabolic Studio’s Farmlab on the Los Angeles River: What can other home gardeners and I do in the fall and winter to support pollinators year-round? Here are seven impactful ways to support pollinators through the winter while building a healthier, more sustainable garden ecosystem.

1. Chop & Drop to Protect Pollinators & Soil

Leigh’s first piece of advice was: Resist the urge to tidy up—or do it differently. She calls it The Chop & Drop, saying: “We want to tidy it up, but getting rid of organic material is exactly the opposite of what we should do. Instead of cutting plants back and hauling them away, trim and then chop them up and let them drop to the ground, where they become mulch and provide exactly the nutrients those plants need. We rake, blow and then add fertilizer when what we need is that natural mulch, restoring and putting carbon back into the soil.” Pollinators rely on habitats created in the fall and winter to survive, and with thoughtful preparation, we can help them thrive in the colder months. From wildflower seeds to hügelkultur beds, small actions can make a lasting difference. “Some pollinators stay under leaves, which is why the habitat material is so important, and if you want it to look better, there’s no reason you can’t sculpt that into a spiral or make a mound that looks like a mouse…”

2. Wildflower Seeds for a Pollinator-Friendly Spring

Seeding local native wildflowers as the leaves fall mimics nature’s rhythm. Seeds naturally drop to the ground, rest under debris, and germinate when spring temperatures rise. Fall and winter sowing provides early-season food sources for emerging pollinators. Why It’s Important:

• Wildflowers support pollinators with nectar and pollen at crucial points in their life cycles.
• Native plants are uniquely suited to local climates, requiring less water and care than exotic species.

How to Do It:

• Choose native wildflower seeds: Tools like the Native Plant Finder can help identify species ideal for your region.
• Spread seeds gradually: Scattering seeds over several weeks creates staggered blooms, providing continuous nourishment for pollinators.
• Make Seed Balls: Seed balls are a simple, effective way to ensure wildflower seeds survive through winter and sprout in the spring. This activity is also a fun way to engage families and communities in pollinator conservation.

Leigh loves making seed balls with classes and her grandkids and suggests it’s a family activity any time of the year. Why It’s Important:

• Protects seeds from being eaten by birds or rodents.
• Ensures seeds germinate during optimal conditions, enhancing growth success.

How to Make Them:

• Mix clay-like soil, compost, and wildflower seeds into small balls.
• Let them dry completely, then scatter them in gardens or public spaces.

Adams shares two tips: “Seed balls make great gifts or party activities. Kids can create butterfly or hummingbird mixes to take home in used egg cartons, spreading beauty and supporting pollinators in their neighborhoods.” “Never plant all your wildflower seeds at once because you want them to come up in sequence and bloom for a much longer period.”

3. Build a Hugelkultur Bed to Support Pollinators

Hugelkultur—an ancient technique using layers of decaying wood and organic matter to create mounds—offers an eco-friendly way to recycle garden debris while enriching your soil and supporting pollinators.  Work with your site to determine the best placement for a hugel. Why It’s Important:

• Hugelkultur beds retain moisture and nutrients, reducing the need for additional fertilizers or irrigation.
• The decomposing materials create a micro-ecosystem that supports pollinators, fungi, and beneficial insects.

Hügelkultur

How to Build One:

• Gather materials: Use logs, branches, leaves, and compost. Avoid using walnut or cedar, which can inhibit plant growth.
• Layer the mound: Start with large logs, then add smaller branches, organic debris, and soil.
• Top it off: Cover with soil and mulch for a nutrient-rich surface.

Adams explains the beauty of hugelkultur: “It mimics the forest floor, turning garden debris into an environment that nurtures life while reducing waste. It’s a simple way to replicate the natural cycles that support pollinators.”

Hügelkultur in the winter

4. Leave the Leaves for Pollinators

Raking and bagging leaves might seem tidy, but it robs pollinators of crucial overwintering habitats. Many species, including butterflies and solitary bees, rely on leaf litter for shelter during the colder months. Why It’s Important:

• Leaves act as natural insulation, protecting pollinators from freezing temperatures.
• Decomposing leaves enrich the soil with organic matter, supporting healthy plant growth.

How to Use Leaves:

• Mulch your garden: Chop leaves with a mower and spread them over garden beds to create a protective layer.
• Create leaf piles: Designate a quiet corner of your yard for leaves to accumulate, providing safe spaces for pollinators and beneficial insects.

As Adams notes, “Leaf mulch is nature’s slow-release fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting life above and below ground.”

5. Compost for Soil Health and Biodiversity

Composting is a powerful way to recycle organic waste and improve soil quality. Healthy soil sustains pollinator-friendly plants, creating a thriving ecosystem for spring. Why It’s Important:

• Compost adds organic matter to the soil, improving water retention and nutrient availability.
• It reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which can harm pollinators.

Winter Composting Tips:

• Store green waste: Freeze vegetable scraps in a bag to simplify composting when outdoor conditions are less hospitable.
• Layer materials: Alternate green (kitchen scraps) and brown (leaves, straw) materials for balanced decomposition. Include some soil from your garden to incorporate the local biome.

Adams highlights compost’s role in pollinator health: “Every nutrient in your compost contributes to soil health, and healthy soil is the foundation for thriving pollinator habitats.”

6. Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Bulbs like crocuses, snowdrops, and grape hyacinths are among the first plants to bloom, offering critical early-season food for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. Look for what works best in your local area – it might not be bulbs, but other local plants. Why It’s Important:

• Early bloomers provide nectar and pollen when other food sources are scarce.
• Bulbs are low-maintenance and water-efficient, ideal for eco-friendly gardening.

How to Plant:

• Choose pesticide-free bulbs to avoid harming pollinators.
• Plant bulbs in sunny areas with well-draining soil before the ground freezes.
• Divide bulbs every few years to maintain healthy growth.

Adams highlights the emotional power of bulbs: “Planting bulbs is a gift for the future, offering hope and beauty after winter’s quiet. They support pollinators while lifting our spirits.”

7. Think Holistically: Create Living Systems for Pollinators

Supporting pollinators isn’t just about individual actions—it’s about recognizing and fostering the interconnectedness of nature. A healthy garden is part of a larger living system, where every component contributes to the whole. Why It’s Important:

• Biodiversity strengthens ecosystems, creating resilience against climate change.
• Native plants, healthy soil, and water conservation work together to support pollinators year-round.

Key Practices:

• Optimize water use: Install rain barrels to collect and store water, reducing runoff and conserving resources.
• Encourage fungi: Allow organic matter to decompose naturally, promoting beneficial fungi essential for healthy soil.
• Support native species: Plant native flora to sustain local pollinators and their unique life cycles.

As Adams says, “When we look at our gardens as living systems, we see that every action—scattering local native wildflower seeds, leaving leaves, conserving water, planting natives—benefits not just pollinators, but the entire web of life.”

Nat Hab Staff volunteering at Growing Gardens in Boulder, CO © Megan Brief

Become a Passionate Caretaker of Pollinators

At Nat Hab, we are passionate about supporting pollinators. Our trips to witness and photograph monarch butterflies in the forested Central Highlands of Mexico offer life-changing perspectives on our relationships with pollinators. Likewise, our Costa Rica Wilderness Explorer itinerary provides a glimpse at less-traveled biodiversity hotspots that serve as shelter for migratory pollinators, including hummingbirds that have traveled thousands of miles. Winter may seem like a quiet season in our gardens, but it’s an opportunity to nurture the natural systems that pollinators rely upon. By sowing wildflower seeds, building hugelkultur beds, leaving leaves, composting, making seed balls, planting bulbs, and thinking holistically, you can transform your yard into a haven for pollinators year-round. These practices not only support biodiversity but also enrich your soil, beautify your space, and foster a deeper connection to nature.

Nat Hab Staff volunteering at Growing Gardens in Boulder, CO © Megan Brief

The post 7 Winter Gardening Tips to Support Pollinators first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.