The "Symphony of Flowers" light show, featuring over 100,000 LED-illuminated flowers, is poised to significantly disrupt the local ecosystem of Huntington Beach Central Park East, particularly affecting birds and insects. Artificial light at night (ALAN) has been extensively documented to interfere with the natural behaviors and physiological processes of wildlife.

Impact on Birds:

Disorientation and Collision Risks: Artificial lighting can attract and disorient birds, especially during migration, leading them toward urban areas where they face increased risks. A notable incident in Chicago saw nearly 1,000 birds fatally colliding with an illuminated building in a single night.

phys.org
 
Altered Migration Patterns: Exposure to artificial light can confuse birds' navigational abilities, disrupting their migration routes and timing. This disorientation can lead to decreased survival rates and reproductive success.

psc.edu
 
Impact on Insects:

Attraction to Artificial Light: Many nocturnal insects are drawn to artificial lights, leading them away from natural habitats and behaviors. This attraction can result in increased predation and reduced reproductive success.

fws.gov
 
Physical Harm: Exposure to intense artificial lighting can cause temporary or permanent blindness in insects, impairing their ability to navigate and survive. Studies have shown structural degeneration in the photoreceptors of nocturnal insects after exposure to bright UV light.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
 
Pollination Disruption: Artificial lighting can alter the behavior of nocturnal pollinators, leading to decreased pollination rates and subsequent impacts on plant reproduction and ecosystem health.

fws.gov
 
Implementing such a large-scale light show in Huntington Beach Central Park East could therefore have profound negative effects on local wildlife.