Researchers studying the impact of noisy compressor stations in Canada’s boreal forests have documented a decrease in successful mating among native ovenbirds, a beautiful, insect-eating warbler. More than 3,000 such industrial noisemakers pump oil and gas in the vast Alberta wilderness around the clock, radiating a low-frequency 75 to 90 dBA noise impact on the surrounding forests. The authors of the study report ovenbird pairing success of 92 percent in quiet habitats, compared to 77 percent at compressor sites.

Gordon Hempton, John Grossmann, One Square Inch of Silence-…, loc. 693