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For Water Birds, Fireworks Are Not As Fun

Brown pelican. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
Brown pelican. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Fireworks can pose a threat to Florida's water birds.

Conservationists are asking Floridians to avoid setting off fireworks near areas where water birds nest on beaches and the shores of lakes and rivers.

Julie Wraithmell of Audubon of Florida says the racket can disrupt entire colonies.

"To have young chicks scattering, which puts them in danger of getting lost from their parents or crushed underfoot by people who are unaware."

She says the racket can flush birds from nests and even cause chicks to drop into waterways and drown. She asks Floridians to instead enjoy official displays, which are less of a threat.

 

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.