Action soars to prevent migrating birds from hitting windows

MADISON – Action to reduce the deadly toll of birds colliding with buildings in the United States is soaring after the coronavirus pandemic raised awareness of the problem, a steady drumbeat of high-profile bird deaths kept it in the news, and an October 2023 court victory for Madison, Wisconsin’s bird-safe glass ordinance.

Wisconsin bird conservationists urge homeowners, bird lovers and municipal officials to keep the momentum going this spring to reduce the loss of up to 1 billion birds every year in the United States because of window collisions.

“We’re so excited to see all the momentum and attention paid to the bird-collision problem throughout the country, and the actions taken on many levels to address it,” said Brenna Marsicek, who leads the Bird Collision Corps for Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, formerly called Madison Audubon. Starting in mid April, BCC volunteers monitor buildings in Madison during migration to document bird-window collisions and work with building owners to address problem windows.

“There’s still a long way to go, and we urgently need to address this problem to save our declining bird populations and the many benefits they bring us,” Marsicek said.

Events and workshops sharing home window solutions and spring discounts available for several popular treatments through the SOS Save Our Songbirds campaign will help Wisconsin homeowners tackle their worst problem window before peak spring bird migration in May.

Wisconsin government officials and allies can look to the favorable Wisconsin appeals court ruling, along with sample legislation, design guidance and more, to work toward adopting bird-safe policies. Find resources on the American Bird Conservancy website.

“Homeowners and businesses that install a window treatment that reduce bird deaths make a big difference for birds,” Marsicek said. “Not only in the direct reduction of window collisions, but also in the way those window treatments raise more awareness among others of the problem!”

Source: Save Our Songbirds