Bird-window collisions was a concern brought forward by Alysha Riquier, a graduate student of integrative biology to the Office of Sustainability early 2023. By March 2023, the Bird Friendly Campus Initiative was started, collaborating with UWindsor Grounds and Operations staff, faculty, staff, students and Pelee Island Brid Observatory (PIBO).
The bird-friendly campus initiative has a team of outstanding members as part of the BirdSafeWin Team. Members in collaboration with The Pelee Island Bird Observatory, UWindsor Ornithology Club, Political Science Association, UWindsor Student Health, Counselling, &Wellness Services and passionate students concerned with bird conservation.
Why create a bird-friendly campus?
-
Around 25 million birds die as a result of collisions with windows, which is now the second leading anthropogenic cause of death for birds.
-
Each year, migratory birds will fly long distances to go from their wintering grounds to their breeding grounds, and back, crossing hundreds of miles of land and various bodies of water. Through their migration, birds fly through cities, due to the light pollution in the skies, that draws them near, while the glass buildings are too reflective, causing collisions. Bird casualties impact the populations of both native and migratory birds.
What is the university doing?
-
The University of Windsor is incorporating bird-friendly designs in new buildings and on some windows that are being replaced. A great example is the new Toldo Lancer Center and Law Building which has incorporated a pleasing design which makes glass visible to birds and, therefore, reduces bird window collisions.
-
However not all buildings on the University of Windsor’s campus are bird-friendly. In Spring 2023, the university initiated the monitoring of bird casualties with campus windows; the amazing Grounds staff have already started documenting.
-
Biology professor Dan Mennill heads research into urban avian populations. Professor Mennill's lab uses acoustic recordings to track bird migration, to study social interactions between birds, and to understand bird mating behaviour. They record birds that pass over us during migration, and we have found that artificial light serves as a great distraction to migratory birds. We also record birds in different areas of cities, to understand which aspects of urban green spaces are important for birds.
The University hopes to continually,
- Monitor bird casualties reported along with specific locations to determine windows that require standardized bird decals
- Create standards for bird decals (making sure they are placed in the right location and have the correct spacing to be effective)
- Possible bird-safe window marker guidelines:
- FLAP Canada bird-safe window marker guidelines
- Possible bird-safe window marker guidelines:
How can you help?
-
We can use your help to identify windows that cause bird casualties, through a citizen science initiative to help both migratory and native birds on campus
- Alysha worked with the Office of Sustainability in developing a simple form that will enable members of the university community to report bird casualties, to help track and identify where efforts should be considered to make the campus bird-friendly.
- Fill out the form and submit a photo of the bird and the surrounding area if you encounter a bird casualty.
- Other ways to help include reducing light pollution (#DimLightsforBirds) and reduce pollution to waterways by using reusable water bottles and reusable bags
- Learn more about birds from the UWindsor Ornithology Club
- Learn how to tackle six specifc threats that are having the biggest impact on bird populations
This initiative connects to UNSDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 15: Life on Land, Goal 14: Life below Water.
City of Windsor designated a Bird Friendly City on June 16, 2022 (in partnership with Nature Canada and Pelee Island Bird Observatory)
World Bird Migratory Day (May 13, 2023) - Theme: Water- Sustaining bird life
- This year, we invite you to learn more about how migratory birds depend on water, from its use as a habitat and a source of food, to the ways it supports plant growth and the many insects some birds depend on. We encourage you to explore water, how you can help to conserve and protect it.
- #DimtheLight
-
Windsor received certification from Nature Canada as a bird-friendly city in June 2022, recognizing work to make it a safe haven for wild birds.
-
The city will hold its first “Urban Birding Challenge” this week to introduce new birders to discovering nature in urban environments. Spot the most birds in a 24-hour period to compete for prizes. See details here
Article by Dan Mennill: Want to save millions of migratory birds? Turn off your outdoor lights in spring and fall (April 7, 2019)
