Does anyone have any data on the impact of fireworks on nesting birds? There are more and more summer events, increasingly with fireworks, and many are held in parks and gardens, often along the Thames. Do we know whether they cause birds to abandon their nests, eggs or broods? I only know that I saw terrified ducks in flight from Kew Gardens out across the river one evening when a firework display suddenly exploded. If there is no data, should there not be some studies undertaken to find out?
Hello GrannyDuck,
The issue of fireworks and their impact on wild birds is a common cause for concern, especially around Bonfire Night in November.
The RSPB monitors both the legal situation and relevant research to ensure that wild bird conservation is not harmed or compromised. We particularly urge firework display organisers to avoid locating near to sensitive wildlife areas, such as nature reserves and roosting sites for wild birds.
The RSPB liaises closely with the RSPCA on issues that have strong welfare implications – such as the use of fireworks.
The RSPB is working with the recently established National Campaign for Firework Safety, which aims to reduce the negative impacts of fireworks on people and animals.
The RSPB liaises closely with the RSPCA on issues that have strong welfare implications - such as the use of fireworks.
Currently, the only legal restriction on the use of fireworks that will protect wildlife prevents the intentional or reckless disturbance of rare birds (these species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act).
Due to their popularity, it is difficult to envisage there ever being a permanent and total ban, but there may well be grounds for restricting their use. So far, there is little to suggest that fireworks harm wild birds or affect their conservation status. However, we will continue to monitor the situation and research to ensure the best course of action for wild bird conservation.
Hope this helps,
Claire
Hi Claire, thanks for this info and it is interesting to know about the work you are doing. The increase in summer events is my particular concern - in addition to the Nov 5 explosions - because nesting birds are, in a sense, captive and the impacts greater with larger numbers. I have put in a request to Kew Gardens, which has applied for licences to hold more summer events, about whether they have any data on the impact of fireworks on their wildlife. With their ecological credentials, Kew should be taking this into account if they are including firework displays - possible harm to small mammals as well as birds I guess as Kew Gardens is important habitat for both. I await a reply. Otherwise, the BTO suggested this might be an interesting study for local birdwatching groups who could at least monitor the areas around displays for anecdotal evidence of birds in flight, such as we noted from Kew Gardens that summer evening on the Thames towpath. It was distressing to witness.
I'm so glad someone else is concerned about this issue. While I watched the fireworks fired from the BT tower tonight on the News to denote 500 days to the Olympics all I could think of was the birds in the trees beautifully outlined in the pictures.
I first became aware of the problem in Wimbledon Town Centre 2 years ago. I was admiring the huge flock of (pied?) wagtails coming to roost in the trees outside the busy shopping centre at dusk when a volley of fireworks went off to announce Santa's arrival.
I share your concern particularly for nesting birds and worry that more frequent use or fireworks throughout the year (particularly with the Olympics approaching) must adversely affect birds. The New Year deaths of large numbers of American blackbirds (who can't navigate at night) has been attibuted to an unusually loud display in the vicinity.
I would suggest that the RSPB take a much more robust attitude to this issue.
Campaign anyone?
I think there should be a campaign coupled with research. The two could go hand in hand very effectively, with findings providing news. Whatever the results, it's important to discover more about the impact of fireworks on birds, particularly at nesting time. We take many precautions to protect nesting birds and this should be investigated. Perhaps the many bird watching societies across the country would participate. I had a response from Kew Gardens who said that the birds don't seem to nest in the busy noisy areas (which I took to indicate reduction of precious habitat) and bird populations are increasing. Even so, I have seen birds fleeing from the gardens in what looks like great fright at the start of a fireworks show. And is it the noise or is it the light that has the most impact I wonder? There is a need for research and I don't know why none seems to have been carried out.