Town cancels Fourth to spare birds fireworks trauma

An Oregon coastal town canceled its annual pre-Fourth of July fireworks show because it may scare the birds. After 19 years, the skies over Depoe Bay fell silent last night, thanks to federal wildlife managers who fear the bombs bursting in air will disrupt protected sea birds like the Brandt's cormorant, which nests not far from where the popular pyrotechnic display is held. City officials futilely questioned wildlife studies that indicated the fiery ruckus would cause the birds to flee their roosts and be killed by bald eagles and other predators. Last night, Depoe Bay was truly for the birds.