The squealing and popping of fireworks have made Fourth of July the most common day of the year when dogs run away from home. We talk every year about our domesticated pets as we approach Independence Day, but wild animals like birds are largely excluded from the conversation.
鈥淔ireworks are completely unnatural to the environment for birds,鈥 says Michelle Hawkins, director of the . 鈥淧eople can relate to their dogs being affected, but it鈥檚 also stressful to wildlife and the environment.鈥
Wild birds closer to fireworks than most animals
Wild birds spend much of their time in flight or perched, which puts them closer to the sound and sight of fireworks than most other animals, including family pets. This isn鈥檛 to say that birds are falling out of the sky every Fourth of July 鈥 only that they experience trauma similar to that which triggers the flight instinct in dogs every year.
鈥淲e鈥檙e not saying they stop eating or anything more dramatic than causing stress,鈥 Hawkins says. 鈥淏ut it definitely does affect birds of prey and other wildlife.鈥
The ruckus gets especially close to wildlife when fireworks are deployed at homes in the country, says Hawkins, who believes general awareness of wildlife could spare the birds trauma.
Three simple precautions you can take
- Wait until dark, when there are fewer birds out in the open air.
- Remove all birdfeeders and baths to avoid drawing birds into areas where fireworks will be happening.
- Clean up the spent fireworks so that potential toxins are not left in the environment.
You can support wild birds and their health by connecting to your local bird rescue organization. In the Yolo County area, the invites you to visit and learn how you can get involved. This includes , and .
This is an updated version of the original blogpost published on June 27, 2016.
Justin Cox is content marketing manager for the 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis One Health Institute and the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center.