The radio waves, the electro magnetic noise of computers, refrigerators, and all kinds of different waves that populate the air around us are invisible to human beings. However birds who use the magnetic compass in their bodies aligned with the radiations of the Earth are now being distracted by this man made electromagnetic noise.

Henrik Mouritsen from the University of Oldenburg worked on an experiment in Germany involving European robins who were getting confused because of this electromagnetic noise. He dubbed it “electrosmog”. Electrosmog messes up with the internal magnetic compass inside birds that lets them know North from South.

In the seven years that he has studied the effects of this electrosmog on birds Mouritsen has been able to rule out the effects of wi-fi, cellphone signals, and power lines based on their frequencies. However AM radio and electromagnetic fields from electronic such as computers, printers, and refrigerators remain as possible suspects.

Visiting cities while flying thousands of miles on their annual migration has now become even more dangerous for birds. Can they learn to navigate to avoid cities? Unlikely but can human beings learn to reduce their electromagnetic signature? Possible but requires more scientific study. The only way this will become a priority is if it is proved that humans also suffer illeffects from these emissions.