Could they be using it to build their nests? They might stop eventually. I suppose that you could put down some mesh to keep them out until the moss has become established.

Oh! Building nests! I hadn't thought of that. It makes perfect sense. There's a catbird building a nest in a nearby shrub.

I guess I can wait, then. It's only happening in one area, directly below the nesting shrub, and only on the newest part of the moss.

The bird must think it's a gift, lol...

Thanks, lycopus! Much appreciated.

The birds in my garden are pinching the moss but not building nest with it just pulling it all off and flicking it about the yard I honestly think they are looking for bugs in it...if they were using it for nests they would take it instead of just pulling it off and making a mess...so it looks more like they're looking for bugs

The birds are just ripping it out and tossing it here too.

Here (southern New Brunswick) too. I've babied this moss for years and am more than a little annoyed about the chunks of moss torn up and lying around. Would like to keep it from happening again.