A pair of young Bald Eagles is safe and sound at Heritage Park after a day of loud fireworks in downtown Kirkland on July 4.

A Kirkland group, led by Kirkland Councilwoman Penny Sweet, decided to shift the position of the fireworks barge farther away from the eaglets’ nest to reduce the risk of disturbing the birds that have not yet fledged and cannot fly.

We applaud this decision. Kirkland is an animal-friendly place. The city cares about its critters and the environment too.

But what about its citizens?

The city did not warn Fourth of July parade attendees that for the first time in in more than 10 years, Seafair Pirates would land in downtown Kirkland. And when the pirates rode through on their Moby Duck float and blasted loud cannons, people jumped and covered their ears.

Some animals, including reports of a dog and a miniature pony, even relieved themselves.

Several people filed complaints with the city over the loud noise. Some say the explosions were reminiscent of the Boston Marathon bombings – loud booms at a crowded, popular event.

The city should have extended the same courtesy it gave to the baby eaglets and warned parade attendees of the loud noise.

There were many vulnerable people at the event, including infants and the elderly, who could have worn a pair of earplugs with proper notice.

City officials could have included a warning message about the cannons on its readerboard off Interstate 405 on Northeast 85th Street that alerted residents of road closures and traffic delays. Or it could have sent out a press release to local media, or put up signage along the parade route.

Come on, Kirkland. Arghhh.