Seabird sightings increase in urban areas of Tórshavn due to light pollution

Sightings of seabirds are more common in bustling environments than in the urban life of Tórshavn, yet this occurrence often happens during this season of the year when the birds take flight for the first time.

Recently, a puffin was spotted wandering in Gundadalur, Tórshavn, and for many years, the northern fulmar has been found near streetlights along the coastline.

According to environmental researcher Sjúrður Hammer, it’s the urban lights that disturb the birds.

Seabirds generally prefer to inhabit cliffs and fjords, but during this time of year, they can often be seen wandering in towns and villages across the Faroe Islands. Particularly, nocturnal seabirds like puffins, northern fulmars, and shearwaters, which nest in burrows, tend to stray into illuminated areas.

These birds utilize natural light from the moon and stars for navigation. However, for unclear reasons, they are particularly attracted to artificial lights, such as street lamps. Consequently, they may inadvertently fly toward these light sources, leading them to stray into towns, where they often end up stranded beneath streetlights.

This phenomenon is not new in environmental studies. Sjúrður Hammer points out that artificial light has influenced the environment since electricity was introduced in the Faroe Islands. This issue, known as light pollution, notably impacts seabirds. While it is acknowledged that streetlights and other artificial light sources affect seabirds, specific light types that particularly attract birds have yet to be identified.

Ben Porter from Wales is conducting a study in the Faroe Islands to determine which light wavelengths specifically attract northern fulmars. This research, associated with a PhD dissertation, is expected to be completed in three to four years, but interim findings will be shared as they arise.

While the scale of this problem in the Faroe Islands remains unclear, measures may be necessary if the situation changes. Suggested solutions include dimming streetlights during certain hours, as is already practiced in parts of Scotland, or providing assistance to disoriented puffins, a practice seen in Iceland and Mykines. Light pollution’s impact on seabirds is particularly evident in major seabird breeding areas like Nólsoy and Mykines, as well as in Sandoy and Skúvoy, where stranded seabirds have sought refuge under streetlights mistakenly drawn in by artificial lighting.