Changes in bird behavior persist long after the fireworks are gone. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany, and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology used GPS tracking to study the migration patterns of Arctic geese in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands
used GPS tracking to study the migration patterns of Arctic geese in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands during the New Year period. By analyzing the movement data of 347 geese, they were able to observe the impact of fireworks on the birds’ behavior. On New Year’s Eve, the geese were found to abruptly leave their roosting sites and fly to areas further away from human settlements.
During the last decade, studies in Europe have begun to uncover the negative impacts of fireworks on wild birds. A study from 2011 used weather radar to show that thousands of birds in the Netherlands erupted into the air at midnight on New Year’s Eve when fireworks began. But research has yet to create a clear picture of if fireworks change important behaviors, such as eating and sleeping, and whether or not birds are able to bounce back after the immediate disturbance.
The four species studied were greater white-fronted, barnacle, pink-footed, and bean geese. Are all Arctic migratory species, which spend their winters resting and feeding in Northern Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. But the study’s findings reveal significant changes to the wintering behavior of all species in response to fireworks. Normally, geese returned to the same water body for several nights, resting on the surface and moving very little, thus saving essential energy.
In the final year of the study, the team was offered a unique opportunity to control for the effect of fireworks. The pandemic lockdown of 2020/2021 led to a widespread firework ban and greatly reduced levels of disturbance. Despite this, the effects of increased flight activity, distance, and altitude were still present on New Year’s Eve in two of the four goose species.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Earth’s Most Unique Birds Face the Greatest Danger of ExtinctionAccording to recent research, bird species with extreme or rare combinations of traits face the greatest danger of extinction. According to a new study performed by Imperial College London scientists, the most unique birds on the globe are also the most endangered. The extinction of these species
Read more »
With the Christmas Bird Count underway, some are asking: Where have all the birds gone?Texas bird counts now “have had five years in a row where declining species out-numbered increasing species,' an audubonsociety study found. “Ninety-one species (24%) were at their lowest level for the decade.” | mosebuchele
Read more »
Ancient Egyptian Murals Show Lifelike Doves, Kingfishers, and Other BirdsArchaeologists analyzed some gorgeously detailed paintings from an Amarna palace.
Read more »
Here are the 10 birds most commonly spotted in AlabamaThe cardinal is an Alabama standout. Here's the other birds that are most commonly reported by Alabama birdwatchers:
Read more »
This Overlooked Midwest City Is Full of Hidden TreasuresBeing overlooked is nothing new for this midwest city. But what those of us who so readily pass it by don’t know is that this city has a collection of works by some of the last century’s most important architects, plus a whole lot of history and charm.
Read more »
Nicki Minaj Buys Spectacular Hidden Hills EstateNicki Minaj has finally put down roots in L.A. after hunting for a home for several years ... and the place she chose is pretty spectacular.
Read more »