WINDOW STRIKES ARE A MAJOR ISSUE, AND YOU CAN HELP!
Preventing Window Strikes
Window collisions are a significant threat to migratory birds. In Canada, window collisions kill 16 to 42 million birds a year. In the United States, collisions kill 365 to 988 million birds per year. It is one of the top sources of human-caused bird mortality, despite being easily preventable. (Source: Government of Canada)
That’s up to 1 BILLION birds which die from window strikes in NA each year. That’s one thousand million!!
Glass can either reflect the natural surroundings (trees, foliage, sky) or be transparent (bird habitat visible on the other side). Deceived, they collide head-on, suffering injury or death.
Research has shown that a collision can temporarily stun a bird. Even if it flies off, seemingly recovered, many of these birds later die from broken bones, internal bleeding or bruising.
Because of the sheer number of windows in our structures, the toll on birds is enormous! It is one of the top sources of direct human-related mortality.
Birds that winter in Southwestern BC are exposed to mortality due to window collisions and other human related threats such as predation by cats, for at least half of their annual life cycle. Therefore, we have an increased responsibility to ensure our homes and businesses are bird-friendly.
Advancements in the last few years have allowed us to address this devastating issue, but we at VARC know it requires each of us to act!
VARC is doing all we can to educate the public on this issue, partner with other organizations on relevant projects, and create action initiatives.
But we can’t do it alone – We need your help – Please take action and ACT today!
Take Immediate Action!
Don’t Wait! Install Window Markers!
If you’re wondering how to keep birds from flying into windows, you might assume that applying bird-friendly solutions to all window is necessary, but that may not be the case: Often, a small number of windows cause the majority of the collisions.
Scientific research has shown most birds will avoid glass window markers (e.g., dots, vertical or horizontal stripes) spaced 5 cm apart, as long as one applies these markers across the entire glass surface. Markers should be at least 0.3 cm wide and should ALWAYS be placed on the outside surface of glass because strong reflections can overwhelm markers that are placed on the inside surface of glass. The colour of the markers should contrast well with the colour of reflections in the window, e.g., if your window reflects dark vegetation, use light coloured markers. A good rule of thumb — you should be able to see the pattern clearly from 3 m away.
Feather Friendly® is a highly-effective ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Kit. It allows you to apply the same solution at home that has proven to be successful in thousands of square feet of commercial buildings. It is recognized, approved and endorsed by both the American Bird Conservancy and the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP).
It’s as easy as 123:
- Measure your window space
- Order your markers
- install your treatments
Check out the easy to follow installation video opposite!
To find out more about Feather Friendly products visit them online by clicking the link below
