Through the Looking Glass Window
Picture by Hans Ben
Article by Helen Lovell-Wayne
https://www.instagram.com/agreenerftr/
Every year the human world population increases and puts more pressure on ecosystems to support us. One often overlooked problem is the buildings that people inhabit. These structures are causing mass bird mortalities every year. Birds are not only unable to perceive glass as a solid surface, but they can also be tricked by the reflection of vegetation or sky and simply can’t see it (Christie Crews 2022). Annually up to a billion birds die in window collisions in the United States alone (Tews, A. 2022) . In the last seven years this problem has stated to get significant attention from the general population and the media.
🌅Causes of Birds Flying Into Windows🌅
Two other factors that can create situations that cause birds to fly in to windows include placing bird feeders too close to windows (Tews, A. 2022) and utilizing reflective window glazing. Other factors that increase the numbers of deaths are time of day (with morning being the highest) (L. Basilio et al. 2020), and sex and age of the birds (males and juveniles collide more any other bird type) (L. Basilio et al. 2020).
🪟LEED Buildings Widow Pitfalls🏡
The solutions are multifaceted. First, shrubbery could be planted closer to windows. That would enable birds to have insufficient room to hit the windows at great speed. Secondly windows can be replaced with fretted glass or etched glass ( Tews, A. 2022). Additionally other visual markers, such as adhesive film could be placed on the windows ( Tews, A. 2022). Other solutions include installing operable blinds and awnings can simultaneously serve in deterring bird-window collisions and improving building occupant comfort ( Tews, A. 2022). For more information on protecting birds near your house read A Bluebird On My Shoulder.
Potential Solutions To Window Collusions
Turning off lights at night during migration season would also aid in the solution. During the night, artificial light attracts and disorients birds, leading to more collisions (H Yang et al. 2021).These are simple measures one can take to make sure our birds are available to pollinate crops, eat parasites and make the day more aesthetic. Opaque, adhesive markers and UV treated glass, window restructuring or sound deterrent will decrease mortality rate (Degroot, K. et al 2022). Retrofits of ceramic frit alone can reduce mortality rate by 90% Degroot, K. et al 2022). One small step for windows and one large step for our feathered friends.
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