Editor,

The Whidbey Audubon Society Board of Directors supports the idea of banning fireworks on Island County private property because of multiple forms of harm they cause to birds and other wildlife.

During the past decade, we have noticed that fireworks are increasing on the island. People have complained that private and public use of fireworks scare birds, including nesting bald eagles. There are many related issues including fireworks pollution, wildfires caused by the fireworks themselves and fireworks effects on the marine mammals.

Currently fireworks are allowed to be set off by private citizens June 28th – July 5th and December 28 – 31. These are long periods of time when they can ignite their fireworks. July 4th falls within the breeding season for many Whidbey bird species including hawks and eagles still in their nestling phases. Some songbirds are often starting their second broods of the season. Adult birds are sometimes frightened off the nests and leave their young unprotected from predation and exposure to the elements. Fireworks on New Year’s Eve have been shown to cause harm to roosting birds.

An area of particular concern to Whidbey Audubon Society is the possible effects of fireworks on burrow-nesting Pigeon Guillemots. Our citizen scientists have observed a drop in feeding visits by adults to their young on days following the fireworks. The adults stay farther away from shore during this time.

Explosions in the neighborhoods affect pets as well. They show fear responses such as hiding, cowering, shaking, howling, and running away.

Whidbey Island has many people who support fireworks for events around July 4 and around the New Year as well. It is a tradition that some people equate fireworks with patriotism. There are other people who are greatly bothered by accompanying loud noises because it affects their well-being as well as many of them are troubled by PTSD. These include veterans, first responders and others who are sensitive to these explosions.

Therefore, we are asking Island County to consider banning personal fireworks from unincorporated Island County. We do support allowing fireworks at public presentations as Freeland and Oak Harbor have on July 3 and 4.

Patty Cheek

President, Whidbey Audubon Society