Birds and FIre

An ancient myth refers to the Phoenix, a bird which was supposed to live for 500 years, go up in flames, and arise anew from ashes. It has come to represent rebirth, renewal, hope, etc.

Ever since there have been terrestrial plants and animals, there has been fire. Ecosystems have evolved, and the burning of forests and prairies recycles and renews those ecosystems. For many years, we viewed fire as an enemy to be doused, but have come to recognize it as just one of many natural phenomena that birds and other organisms have to confront. Fire is essential for biodiversity; in fact, many plants and animals depend on fire.

Most prairies depend upon fire to avoid being overwhelmed, as fires reduce the encroachment of weeds and shrubs, providing habitat for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. (Years ago, in Illinois, about the only natural grassland left was along railroad tracks because the train wheels sparked fires along the rails.)

In the chaparral of Southern California, some plants have oily leaves that encourage fire, which causes their seeds to germinate. The cones of Lodgepole Pine only open and release seeds after being burned. The endangered Kirtland’s Warbler depends upon young Jack Pines, which only grow after older trees are burned away. Horned Larks adapt quickly to recently burned prairie areas, while Western Meadowlarks will avoid them. Sage Grouse live in sagebrush habitat, and when that is burned, it takes 20 years to recover.

Not fighting fires leads to a buildup of fuels—dead trees, limbs, leaves—on the forest floor. Then, when there finally is a fire, it burns more intensely. But, of course, fire endangers flora, fauna, humans, and their dwellings. Texas is in a major drought and is fighting dozens of major fires. Over 1,500 houses have been destroyed so far. There were 181 fires reported in the last week alone. California is facing its share of fires as well. Many of these are lightning-caused, but in Texas at least, 90% are human-caused (campfires, lawnmowers, chainsaws, etc.). Many homes have been destroyed, so the human impact has been substantial.

But what about the birds? What happens to them? Well, since most fires happen in late summer and fall, birds are finished nesting and many are starting their migration out of the area. The resident birds can usually escape the area (unlike deer, reptiles, or other animals) and find suitable habitat nearby. But if the fire is widespread and burns over a long period of time, birds might not be able to find another area that provides the necessary food and shelter.

Different species of birds react differently to fire, as do different habitats. A tropical forest fire is far more devastating to wildlife than a North American prairie fire because the soil of a tropical forest is very thin and erodes quickly when vegetation is no longer there to hold it. Fire, like many things birds deal with in everyday life, can be good, bad, or in between, depending.

But habitats arise anew and reinvigorated, like the Phoenix.