Yesterday I posted about Spotted Cucumber Beetles (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) (which has just been revised). They are not something that you want in your vegetable garden. They particularly like cucurbits, or melons, gourds, squash and cucumbers.

Today I happened upon this photograph from last summer of an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea). I’m not sure that the image will allow you to see it, but on my computer I can clearly see that it has captured, and is about to eat a Spotted Cucumber Beetle.

A friend of many years (I’d say an “old” friend, but he is not old!) asked me about controlling these beetles. Well, here ya go Blaine, one environmentally friendly method of control is to encourage birds to visit your garden and help with these pests. Even if they aren’t interested in nuts and seeds that you might offer, a birdbath is a great attraction.