Research led by Bart Hoekstra, an ecologist at the University of Amsterdam, has shown that fireworks can have a significant impact on bird populations. Using weather radar and bird counting, the study found that when fireworks are set off on Chinese New Year's Eve, bird flight activity increases dramatically, affecting up to 6 miles away.
One study showed that fireworks caused a spike in bird flight activity that could affect up to 6 miles. Researchers recommend setting up fire-free zones and quieter light shows to protect bird populations.
Massive fireworks on Chinese New Year's Eve can affect birds up to 10 kilometers (6 miles). Through weather radar and bird counting data, an international team of researchers revealed how many birds took off immediately after the fireworks began, how far away this happened from the fireworks, and which groups of species mainly responded to it. Bart Hoekstra, an ecologist at the University of Amsterdam, said:"We already know that many waterbirds react strongly, but now we are also seeing the impact on other birds across the Netherlands. As a result, researchers advocated for a large area free of fireworks in the scientific journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. "
On Chinese New Year's Eve, the average number of birds in the air near the fireworks site is 1,000 times higher than on other nights, reaching 10,000 to 100,000 times the usual number at its peak. This effect is strongest in the first 5 km of the fireworks, but at the 10 km range, the average number of birds flying is still at least 10 times higher than normal.
Birds take off due to a violent flight reaction caused by sudden noise and light. In a country like the Netherlands, where there are many wintering birds, we are talking about millions of birds affected by fireworks"Hoekstra said.
Weather radar and bird counting
Last year, other researchers at IBED found that geese were so affected by fireworks that they spent an average of 10% longer than usual for at least the next 11 days. Obviously, they need this time to replenish the lost energy, or to make up for the unknown foraging area they are in after escaping the fireworks.
Hawkestra's study looked at which species take off after fireworks and when. He used weather radars from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute to provide information on clear Chinese New Year's Eve and other normal nights. He combined this information with distribution data provided by the Netherlands Centre for Field Ornithology (SOVON) based on bird counts from hundreds of volunteers.
We already know that many waterbirds react strongly, but it is still unclear how these birds outside of the water bodies react to fireworks. By counting, we know exactly which birds are taking off, and using the radar images, we can see exactly which ones are taking off because of the fireworks"。
Using this data, Hoekstra can calculate how many birds take off as soon as the fireworks start, how far away this is from the fireworks, and mainly which groups of species respond.
Panic in the air
The results of the analysis showed that in the study area around the Den Helder and Herwijnen radars alone, nearly 400,000 birds took off immediately as soon as the fireworks began on Chinese New Year's Eve. Additionally, in open areas, larger birds seem to fly for hours after fireworks are set off and at great altitudes.
hoekstra says:"Large birds such as geese, ducks, and seagulls fly hundreds of meters into the air and stay in the air for up to an hour due to the massive fireworks. They can be caught in bad winter weather or panicked and don't know where they're flying"。
Fireworks should be restricted to the central area
Since 62% of the birds in the Netherlands live in residential areas within a radius of 25 km range, so the impact of fireworks on all birds in the country is great. The researchers believe that"Flying requires a lot of energy, so it's best to keep birds as little disturbed as possible during the cold winter months. Measures to ensure this are especially important in open areas such as grasslands, where many large birds spend the winter. In the vicinity of forests and semi-open habitats, the effects of fireworks on birds are not significant. In addition, smaller birds such as chickadees and finchbirds also live there, and they are less likely to fly away from interference"。
The author, Hoekstra, advocates for the establishment of fireworks-free zones in areas where large birds live:"In areas where light and sound travel farther, such as near forests, these buffers can be smaller. In addition, fireworks should be set off mainly in the center of built-up areas, as far away from birds as possible. If we turn to silent light shows, such as drone shows or decorative fireworks without loud noises, it will be the best option for birds"。
Reference: "Fireworks disturbance of bird colonies" by Bart Hoekstra, Willem Bouten, Adriaan Dokter, Hans van Gastroen, Chris van Turnhout, Bart Kranstauber, Emiel van Loon, Hidde Leijnse, and Judy Shamoun-Baranes, December 2023 7th, Frontiers of Ecology and Environment.
doi: 10.1002/fee.2694
Compilation**: scitechdaily