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Bird Lives Matter

A Simple Solution

By William BarlowPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Bird Lives Matter
Photo by Jan Meeus on Unsplash

Approximately one billion birds die each year in North America alone due to window collisions. We can only estimate the numbers for the rest of the world. If these collisions were occurring with, say puppies or dolphins, the world would act. And the saddest part is it’s easily preventable. All it takes is a few rows of nearly invisible dots.

Myth number 1: If a bird hits your window and a few minutes later it flies away, it’s fine.

Actually, almost all window collisions are fatal. Imagine running as fast as you can head first into a brick wall. You will be concussed if not killed outright. It’s the same thing with birds. They are severally concussed and even if they are able to fly away, it’s usually the adrenaline kicking in. Sadly, it will most likely fly for a minute or so before dying.

If you find an injured bird, here’s what to do:

• Please act immediately. If you do not rescue the bird, it is very vulnerable to predators (e.g. gulls, crows, cats, foxes, even squirrels), or it may stepped on by an inattentive passerby, or killed by colliding again with the building as it regains its senses. Even if it can fly away, it may die slowly of head trauma or other internal injuries.

• Approach the bird from behind and pick it up by hand. Be very gentle but firm enough so the bird cannot escape. For small birds, cup both your hands around the bird to contain it.

• Alternatively you can use a soft, fine-mesh net, or place a box over it. For larger birds and Mourning Doves, drop a light towel or jacket over it first.

• Place the bird in an unwaxed paper bag with an unscented tissue or small paper towel crumpled in the bottom to give the bird something to perch on. Fold down the top of the bag and secure it with a paperclip. Do not punch holes in the bag.

• Alternatively, you can place it in a cardboard box that is not too much larger than the bird. First, poke some small air holes in the box.

• Call your local animal rescue centre. Most cities have these groups.

• Even if a bird appears unhurt, it may be in shock or suffering internal injuries. Please do not release it, but call for advice.

• In the meantime, keep the bag or box upright in a dark and quiet place

• Do not handle the bird more than absolutely necessary.

• Do not give the bird food or water.

• If the bird dies following rescue, please contact the group anyway.

• Handling birds injured or killed in a collision does not pose a significant health risk (in fact, we pose a greater health risk to them). Gloves are not required, but do wash your hands after touching a bird.

• Don’t pet it or talk to it. It’s frightened and in shock. Keep it in a quiet place until the rescuer arrives.

Myth number 2: Putting a decal on a window will prevent collisions.

Most collisions occur when a bird sees a tree’s reflection in a window and flies toward it. They cannot see the glass. But simply putting a decal is not enough. The whole window needs to be covered. This is also why window collisions rarely occur higher up on buildings with no tree reflections.

It’s easy to collision proof you house.

These stickers can be found on line and are not expensive. You will hardly notice them, but the birds sure will.

To reliably prevent collisions, both reflective and clear glass should feature a visible pattern that meets the following criteria:

Density

Maximum 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inch) spacing between pattern elements. Some standards recommend a maximum of 10 cm x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch), which is known to be less effective at preventing collisions of smaller birds.

Size

Pattern elements should be at least 6mm (1/4″ inch) wide.

Exterior surface

Pattern must be on the outside of the glass. On the inside, it will not be visible enough and will thus fail to break up dangerous reflections.

Contrast

Pattern must be visible in all light conditions.

Note: The pattern can be any colour that is visible; the red dots above are for illustrative purposes only.

Safe Wings is an Ottawa based bird rescue group. It is staffed by volunteers and relies solely on donations. Most cities have similar rescue groups. Put the one nearest you in your cell contacts.

We can’t afford to lose a billion birds a year. In the time it took you to read this, we lost more than 600.

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About the Creator

William Barlow

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