Too Noisy for the Birds: Human Impact on Bird Population Migration (Rachel May)

      In the past, it has been widely noted that bird populations migrate away from roads.  A Boise State University study sought to prove that this declination of birds was due to the traffic noise, rather than other factors such as visual annoyances that exist near roads.  In order to achieve this goal, the researchers created a so-called "phantom road," placing speakers in trees in order to isolate sound from the other distractions of the road.  In the end, the researchers found that birds disappeared from the area when the noise level increased, and only returned when the speakers were turned off.  It is irrefutable that traffic noise alone caused the amount of birds in the area to wane.

Researchers Setting Up "Phantom Road"
Credit: Boise State University

    These findings directly relate to the "Principles of Ecology" course, as the interconnectedness of the environment is studied in great detail.  The actions of one species, in this case, humans, directly affect the lives of others.  The noise that human beings create through traffic displaces many different species of birds.  This simple action has a domino affect, negatively impacting entire ecosystems.  If the aforementioned birds are displaced to another area, for example, they will consume the worms and seeds that birds native to that area rely on.  A severe shortage of food will lead to the declination of these birds.  Animals that depended on the birds as prey, in turn, will invariably suffer.  This example does occur in the real world, and shows that people have a great impact on the environment. Through actions that we don't even deem as harmful, we are destroying the world that sustains us.

      It is easy to say that humans should realize the consequences of their actions, and eliminate the aspects of our lives that negatively impact the environment.  How though, can we eradicate traffic noise?  We cannot simply abandon roads, as they are the easiest means of transportation for everyday people.  We can, however, make changes to the way in which we use our transportation system. Perhaps new roads can be conveniently constructed in places in which there are no large bird populations.  Perhaps even cars can be designed specifically to emit less noise.  These methods of helping birds to thrive near roads may be expensive, but they will help the environment in the end. People can also make minor adjustments to their everyday lives, such as slightly lowering the music as they drive.  I believe that such an action, which is simple to do, will have overwhelmingly positive effects on the bird populations.  Above all, however, it is important that people realize the effects that we have on the environment.  Every small action on our part creates a magnified reaction in the environment, and people need to be careful about what they harm in the process.

Works Cited

Boise State University. "Negative Effects of Road Noises on Migratory Birds." ScienceDaily.             

       ScienceDaily, 6 November 2013. Web. 20 January 2015.   

       http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131106113841.htm

Boise State University. Researchers Setting Up Road Noise Experiment. 2013. ScienceDaily. Web. 

      20 January 2015.