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As we celebrate the excitement of Guy Fawkes Night, with its sparkling skies and roaring bonfires, it’s easy to overlook the quieter, hidden impact it can have on wildlife, especially birds. Birds and other animals face enormous stress from the loud noises and flashes that come with firework displays, and for them, Guy Fawkes Night can be a night of survival rather than celebration.
Birds are naturally skittish, highly tuned to even the smallest disturbances in their environment—an instinct crucial for avoiding predators. On a normal evening, these reflexes allow birds to rest in a state of light sleep, alert to any potential dangers. But fireworks disrupt this peace, creating an atmosphere of relentless and confusing chaos. The sudden booms, flashes, and smoky trails leave birds disoriented and panicked. Startled by the explosions, birds often flee from their roosts in a state of disarray, flying through the dark night sky without a clear direction. In their rush to escape, some may collide with obstacles or even fly into each other, suffering injuries that, in the worst cases, can be fatal. Others may fly far away from their safe roosting sites and struggle to find their way back.
Many birds rely on well-established feeding and roosting patterns that help them conserve energy, especially as winter approaches. Small songbirds, for instance, huddle in groups on cold nights to stay warm. When they’re forced to take flight suddenly, they expend precious energy that’s hard to recover, especially with the shorter daylight hours of November reducing their foraging opportunities. This is especially dangerous for migratory birds that are already exhausted from long journeys, as well as for the more fragile and sensitive species that are sensitive to changes in their environment.
Beyond the immediate disturbance of fireworks, there’s also the issue of air pollution. Fireworks release heavy metals and other toxic chemicals that contaminate the air, settling on vegetation and water sources that birds rely on for food and hydration. Birds have sensitive respiratory systems, and breathing in these pollutants can lead to health complications. Even for those not directly in the path of the smoke, the build up of pollutants can impact their health over time, reducing their immunity and overall resilience.
What can we do to help protect our feathered friends during this season of celebrations? Although we may not be able to eliminate fireworks altogether, there are ways to make the night less stressful for birds. Spreading awareness of the impact fireworks have on wildlife is a start. If you’re able to, support quieter, low-noise fireworks that are less alarming to birds and other animals, and advocate for events to use designated areas further away from green spaces and natural habitats.
Ultimately, Guy Fawkes Night can be a time of enjoyment for people while also being one of respect for our natural environment. By taking small steps to reduce our celebrations’ impact on birds, we contribute to preserving the balance between human traditions and the needs of wildlife. Our efforts to make this one night a little less disruptive can ensure that birds can continue their routines undisturbed, finding peace amidst the seasonal chill, safely roosted, as we light up the night in remembrance and celebration.
