The use of fireworks on New Year’s Eve left one thousand finches dead, according to Balkan Insights reports. This matter is sensitive because Bulgaria’s Biodiversity Act protects this breed of finch.
Many news outlets reacted to this case, including Green Balkans and Dr Rusko Petrow, recognising the impact of “stress”, caused by sound and light effects, which kills these birds.
One Piece of the Puzzle?
Others argue that the cause of these deaths stem from low temperatures or stress from the noise pollution. Different officials dispute this because the forest is located far away from the firework festivities.
Local Reactions: Incident
The mayor of Koprivshtitsa, Maria Toromanova, told sources that this year’s fireworks displays were noticeably smaller than in previous years, and no noise complaints were reported.
Mayor of Koprivshtitsa, Maria Toromanova: "We were not that loud and were considerate."
However, residents of the area remain divided about the cause of the mass bird deaths. One resident pointed out that large flocks of birds, seen near the town for the first time, gathered days before the incident and suggested that the harsh mountain climate may have also played a role.
Other Factors Worth Taking into Account
Do fireworks ever impact our environment, especially if there are a lot of festivities taking over the cities, including the flow of visitors during festivals, considering all the waste that comes with it.
According to EarthOrg, fireworks on New Year’s Eve are a so-called “horror show” for animals. This is unintended, in fact, most people are not aware of it. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the loud noises and chaos caused by fireworks can frighten animals, leading them to abandon their habitats or become disoriented and lost.
Research throughout Europe reveals the specific threats that fireworks present to migratory species. A study monitoring Arctic migratory geese in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands found that the birds, disturbed by fireworks on New Year’s Eve, abandoned their nesting places. Similarly, the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Amsterdam used weather radars to analyse birds’ reactions, especially waterfowl, to fireworks displays.
Thousands of birds flew up to 500 meters in altitude, to avoid the explosions, clearly showing the distress fireworks inflict on these animals.
The big question remains: are fireworks that deadly to wildlife or are other factors to blame? The New Year festivities may have caused the incident. However, there is still room to think otherwise.
Should there be stricter regulations regarding this matter in the future?
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