The RSPB state that there is no evidence that fireworks harm and disturb wildlife and birds.
I cannot believe this is the case, the extreme loudness of modern fireworks the actual shock wave of sound produced must impact on birds and animals
What about bats, owls and roosting birds in general ?
Tawny owls are pairing and calling to attract mates in November, how can fireworks not impact on their behaviour and welfare ?
The RSPB needs to campaign robustly to at least limit the decibel level of fireworks that to my ears,are nothing more than mini bombs.
I would like to see the research in this area.
Also the air pollution and chemical poisons released by exploding fireworks must impact on moths,bats and any night feeding creatures...
Time we stopped this unnecessary pollution and poisoning of our atmosphere every November..#ClimateEmergency
I have to say, I was a little surprised to read that there was no evidence to suggest fireworks have any harmful effect on wildlife, until I read the article, and it makes sense.
Not many birds will be mating at this time of year, the current weather conditions are not conjusive to a successful brood and once winter gets going, food stocks will become thin, and feeding a brood takes a lot of food, as any human parent will know if they've had/have children/grandchildren.
The RSPB does show concern with regard roosting, however, the big problem with anything like this, is policing.
What does make sense, but that doesn't mean I agree or disagree with it, I'm not qualified to pass an informed comment, is the part about thunder storms.
The article I presume you refer to is on the following link: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/dangers-to-birds/fireworks-and-birds/
For those like me curious, I've copied and pasted the text below:
The issue of fireworks and their impact on wild birds is a common cause for concern, especially around Bonfire Night in November.
There is little evidence to suggest that fireworks harm wild birds or affect their conservation status.
Available information suggests that the effect of firework displays on birds is little different from that of a thunderstorm. However, we will continue to monitor the situation and research to ensure the best course of action for wild bird conservation.
Setting off fireworks close to nesting and roosting birds can cause disturbance. To minimise any adverse impact of fireworks on birds, we urge organisers of firework displays to avoid launching the rockets near to sensitive wildlife areas, such as nature reserves, and nesting and roosting sites for wild birds.
It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to recklessly or intentionally disturb a Schedule 1 species whilst it is in, on or near a nest during the breeding season. Where people are aware Schedule 1 species are nesting in the area, such as barn owls, then they need to take necessary steps to try and ensure no disturbance is caused.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
David M
I fully follow your thoughts which is why I said I was surprised, and I feel the same, it is not fully understood plus I didn't agree nor disagree due to the lack of information. I've no doubt there is data out there, but not in that piece.
I deliberately chose to say "I'm not qualified to pass an informed comment" because I'm not, my trade (which was the automotive industry and later years before retirement with prototypes) was not around this area, though like you, taking in the obvious realities, I feel more is required to fully understand the impacts.
Why did it make sense?
Having worked with data for many years, to ensure a project goes forward, its all too easy to get the numbers to tell the story you want to portray, something I saw and still see a lot with HS2, something I'm surrounded with. The desecration to nature has been worse than horrendous and all the government do is pay lip service to it.
For close on two years whilst recovering from major leg surgery, I watched the televised parliamentary debates around this wanton destruction, and the way the data was portrayed was beyond belief!
So looking at the twist in the scarce information in that piece, that is why I say it makes sense, but I didn't say I agreed with it.
To quote Mark Twain: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics", which strangely enough was about a British politician!
https://www.fireworkskingdom.co.uk/occassions/silent-fireworks
For a number of years anyone has been able to buy from some UK companies, fireworks called silent fireworks. Although not 100% silent! These are low noise fireworks. I have heard and seen these fireworks and they are a very good alternative with low noise and won’t frighten wild birds and animals along with anyone’s pets such as dogs and cats.
Regards,
Ian.
Janey, I'm curious on 'ONB land', and not wanting to assume wrongly what would be the obvious, could you clarify 'ONB'.