sure. Use whatever catchment you can use to catch what they kick up. you are not going to successfully interfere with nature, and looking for worms and grubs is what they do.

Thanks Glib. I'll give it a shot.

Pull out all the mulch, put in a layer of hardware cloth, actually a galvanized mesh, then reinstall the mulch.

Sounds like they are attracted to the area because it's very easy to scratch around in. You could switch to a much coarser mulch to discourage them. Or a motion sensor controlled sprinkler (see hilarious game-cam videos on youtube of varmints being chased off by these). I don't suppose a shotgun is feasible, haha.

My small flock of chickens do a wonderful job of tilling in the mulch in a few beds that they have access to. I have to put chicken wire over an asparagus bed so they don't damage the crowns with their scratching. Once I start planting in those beds I have to be creative to keep the chickens out without limiting the plant growth. They love tomatoes and cucumbers but don't care for the leaves, but they love to eat pepper leaves.

Maybe you can change your mindset, instead of your mulch.

Maybe you can be excited that your property is a haven for wild birds.

I'm admittedly a bird nerd, and a bit of a crazy animal lover, but I would be *thrilled* if my garden attracted the birds you describe.