In a sobering revelation, an international team of researchers, leveraging data from weather radars and bird counts, has unveiled the profound impact of New Year’s Eve fireworks on birds, reaching up to a staggering 10 km away. Ecologist Bart Hoekstra of the University of Amsterdam, part of the research team, emphasized the need for urgent measures to mitigate the adverse effects of fireworks on avian populations.
The study, published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, brings attention to the acute flight response of birds triggered by sudden noise and light during fireworks. The analysis indicates that, on average, there are 1,000 times as many birds in the air close to firework locations on New Year’s Eve compared to other nights, with peaks reaching 10,000 to 100,000 times the normal number. The impact is most pronounced within the first 5 km of fireworks, but even up to 10 km away, there are at least 10 times as many birds flying as usual.
“Birds take off as a result of an acute flight response due to sudden noise and light. In a country like the Netherlands, with many wintering birds, we are talking about millions of birds being affected by the lighting of fireworks,” explains Hoekstra.
The research, utilizing information from Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute weather radars and bird counts from Sovon – the Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, focused on identifying the species that take flight, the distance from fireworks when this occurs, and the timing of these responses. Last year, researchers discovered that geese, in particular, spend an average of 10% longer looking for food following fireworks, impacting their overall energy expenditure.
The analysis demonstrates that, in areas around weather radars in Den Helder and Herwijnen alone, nearly 400,000 birds take off immediately at the commencement of New Year’s Eve fireworks. Larger birds, such as geese, ducks, and gulls, were observed flying at remarkable altitudes for hours, posing risks of accidents and exposure to adverse weather conditions.
Considering that 62% of all birds in the Netherlands reside within a 2.5 km radius of inhabited areas, the researchers advocate for large fireworks-free zones. “Flying requires a lot of energy, so ideally birds should be disturbed as little as possible during the cold winter months,” says Hoekstra. The call is for stricter regulations, especially in open areas where larger birds spend the winter. The suggestion includes restricting fireworks in central areas and favoring light shows without sound, such as drone displays or decorative fireworks with minimal noise.
The researchers’ plea for action aims to safeguard the well-being of millions of birds during the festive season, urging a reconsideration of our traditional celebrations in favor of a more bird-friendly approach.
