Everyone who has ever held a sparkler, launched an aerial rocket or set off a string of firecrackers understands the danger fireworks can pose, but not only can fireworks be dangerous to the people handling them, they can also be dangerous and even deadly to wild birds. Proper fireworks safety tips, however, can keep birds safe without avoiding or eliminating fireworks celebrations.

Dangers of Fireworks

Fireworks can be hazardous to wild birds in several ways.

If live fireworks come into contact with birds they can cause severe burns and injuries to a bird’s plumage, limbs, eyes and skin, and even if the birds aren't immediately killed, their abilities to fly, forage effectively and avoid predators can be compromised. The chemicals used in fireworks, including combustible powders and toxic inks, can also cause gastrointestinal distress if they are ingested, even in small quantities, and they can be fatal to young birds that are often learning to forage during the summer, just when firework use is at its highest. The loud concussions made by personal fireworks can damage birds’ sensitive hearing or may cause enough emotional and psychological stress to drive birds away from nests, eggs or chicks, and birds that are scared by such noises may inadvertently collide with objects and structures, causing fatal injuries. Because of these dangers, proper fireworks safety is essential to protect backyard and wild birds.

Fireworks Safety Tips Near Wild Birds

It is possible to enjoy personal fireworks without endangering backyard birds.

While the safest course of action is to avoid personal fireworks at home and enjoy a local city celebration instead, common sense safety tips and responsible behavior can minimize the dangers to birds easily if you do choose to celebrate with your own fireworks.

• Remove bird feeders and bird baths several hours before lighting fireworks. This will discourage birds from being in the area and ensure that no ash, debris or other firework residue inadvertently lands in birdseed or drinking water. If it is not possible to remove the feeders or baths, cover them securely prior to using the fireworks or thoroughly clean them afterwards. As a last resort, emptying baths and feeders can discourage birds, but they will still need cleaning after the fireworks are used.
   
• Wait until well after dusk to ignite fireworks. Late evening and twilight is a prime feeding time for many birds, but after the skies darken more appreciably there will be far fewer birds nearby to be affected by the fireworks. Furthermore, the fireworks will be more visible and more enjoyable if lit when it is darker, but be aware of local ordinances that may restrict the times fireworks can be used and may not permit use too late at night.
   
• Do not use fireworks near bird houses, nesting areas, rookeries, roosting areas, brush piles or other bird shelters. Small birds may be invisible under dense cover, but the effects of fireworks used nearby can be drastic and may scare them into the open. Keeping the fireworks away from these areas also reduces the risk of fire from stray sparks or not-quite-extinguished fuses or debris.
   
• Clean up all firework residue promptly and thoroughly, including spent casings, bits of paper, used matches and ash. Firework debris can still contain toxic chemicals and other poisons that can harm birds that may ingest them. If necessary, wash down a driveway or patio area that has concentrated ash or burn debris to rinse away residue.
   
• Follow all the proper fireworks safety tips to keep friends and family members safe; many of these common sense safety tips can also protect pets and nearby wildlife, including wild birds, from unnecessary trauma or injuries caused by fireworks.

While fireworks can be dangerous to birds, it isn't necessary to completely eliminate these summer sensations from different celebrations or backyard parties. With responsible use that keeps birds' safety in mind, it is possible to enjoy fireworks without risking birds.

Photo – Sparkler © James Garvin