Have you ever seen a sky without birds? Wherever you go there are always birds – a part of your scenic walk, your vacation on the beach, or even looking through a window at work. These creatures are important indicators of healthy ecosystems and can be quite resilient; however, this resilience does not mean they are immune to certain human disturbances, such as loud urban noise. Such disturbances can affect their behaviour, mating, and foraging.
If birds are not considered a part of an urban society and in daily human activities, the services they provide us will be affected. A significant portion of seed dispersal, pollination, food sources, and ecosystem balance is supported by birds. Contributing to the well-being of our avian friends also creates a more vibrant environment for ourselves. Increased native plant dispersal from pollination and seed dispersal lowers the chances of invasive species over-taking disturbed land, helping to maintain ecological balance. A balanced rodent population also benefits farmers and households.
Bird behaviour has been altered due to prolonged exposure to loud noises. This results in fewer eggs produced, low offspring survival rates, and altered mating habits. All birds are acoustic, meaning they use songs and calls to attract mates. Excessive loud noises in their breeding areas causes them stress, leading to changes in the timing of mating, which may lead to fewer birds due to decreased mating success and survival of offspring.
Another consequence of excessive noise is the inability to hear predators or warn others of danger while foraging. Foraging is a crucial part of an ecosystem cycle, and birds play a significant role in seed dispersal and rodent control. They may avoid foraging in loud areas or forage less due to noise pollution, negatively affecting seed dispersal within the ecosystem.
Birds are an indicator species; their presence or absence signals whether an ecosystem is healthy or degraded. For example, the woodpecker creates cavities in trees that provide homes for other species. However, according to a recent paper by Amhil Kahn in 2024, the woodpecker is sensitive to sound and vibration disturbances Their absence from an area they once inhabited is a sign that the diversity of that ecosystem is being compromised.
What can you do to prevent these disturbances from severely affecting our birds? You can consider biking to work or shopping to reduce vehicle noise. You can also turn off electrical appliances when not in use, or plant trees and shrubs to help absorb noise. The company Mearth (electric bike/scooters company) recommends implementing no-horn zones, as honking is a significant noise pollutant, and promoting the use of electric vehicles. Additionally, time restrictions should be considered for construction during bird breeding seasons, and new buildings could be designed with noise-absorbing materials. Putting up bird houses away from urban areas and conducting further research are also important steps.
By taking a few simple steps to help our feathered friends, we can continue to see signs of a diverse environment. Birds are much more meaningful to our community than we realize, and these disturbances will become a larger issue if we choose to ignore the stress signals they display. The sky would be less full without birds, and trails would not be as lush without plants and trees to enjoy on our walks. Let’s work together to protect our community friends.
Desirae Beaulieu is a second year Recreation, Fish and Wildlife student at Castlegar’s Selkirk College.
