We always get questions about fireworks around the Fourth of July, but since the change to Maine’s law in 2012, now allowing Maine municipalities to adopt consumer fireworks ordinances, we hear about more and more conflicts with wildlife and not just around the July holiday. This simple answer is yes, fireworks definitely disturb birds, but let’s consider what they do and how we can minimize impacts.
Perhaps the biggest threat to wildlife from fireworks is displacement of nesting species. For the sake of this piece, I’ll focus on birds, but the concept applies to other groups of wildlife. A single firework, or any unexpected loud blast or sound, is enough to scare a bird off a nest, and this happens often. I’m sure many readers can think of a bird’s nest that was on or near their porch—an Eastern Phoebe or House Finch—and each time you went outside, the bird flushed from its nest. The problem lies in how often, and when, the bird is off the nest. An unguarded nest is at risk to predators and exposure, which in the case of cold or wet weather can be amplified at night, when fireworks are being used.
Often people are simply not aware of wildlife around them while the “bombs bursting in air” is at its peak. Years ago, we had a case along a southern Maine beach where an adult Piping Plover was scared off its nest by fireworks. A group of people had set up their beach chairs close to the closed nesting area, which unfortunately scared the adult from returning to the nest. By the time our biologists found it the following morning, the chicks had died from exposure. So, before your next fireworks show, consider the location and how being away from beaches or lakes can help some of our at-risk birds. Are fireworks really necessary? If you want to see a (figurative and literal) “natural” light-show, mark your calendars for the Perseids meteor shower starting at the end of July!
For more, read this blog post from last year which looks at specific ways you can help loons around the Fourth of July festivities:
https://maineaudubon.org/news/help-loons-on-the-fourth-of-july/
Also, keep in mind that consumer fireworks are illegal to launch on many public beaches and may be subject to fines of up to $500; municipalities can restrict or ban fireworks.
Photo by A n v e s h on Unsplash
