Birds and Fireworks
The 4th of July is next week and fireworks stands are popping up across the United States. While fireworks are a celebratory custom for many, remember that birds are often frightened by them. Birds have the same senses as humans but they are fine-tuned to help birds survive. Sight and hearing are the most relied upon for survival and therefore are highly sensitive which allows them to interpret their surroundings and to communicate with each other. In fact if we listen carefully, these are the songs that we often attribute to the various species. If we take that sensitivity and then combine it with the loud booms and whistles common in a typical celebration with fireworks and you’ve just created tremendous fear and confusion for birds.
When enjoying the 4th with a few fireworks as many will, keep in mind what it might seem like for the birds and take precautions like these to minimize the danger and stress for them.
- Don’t set off fireworks near shelters and nesting areas,
- Remove houses and feeders so as not to attract birds, and
- Clean up any leftover debris.
