Changing the flight of bird conservation
Colleges and Universities Program
The Issue
Since 1970, there are 3 billion fewer birds worldwide. Glass collisions are the second-leading human-related cause for bird loss today.¹ The annual loss of birds due to glass collisions is at a minimum of 1.28 billion and as high as over 5 billion birds in the U.S.A., with potentially billions more worldwide.² This is because birds cannot perceive glass and often mistake it for surrounding habitat reflected on the exterior window surface or attempt to fly through glass barriers to reach habitat that can be seen on the other side.
The Solution
With nearly two-thirds of North American birds at risk of extinction, now more than ever, we have a responsibility to protect our feathered friends. Feather Friendly® Bird Collision Deterrent Markers are a simple solution that makes a significant mark in bird conservation.
We are a trusted choice for preventing bird collisions on campus. Our markers are highly effective in making glass visible to birds and avoiding deadly collisions without compromising a building’s aesthetics or views inside and out. Unlike full film, only the markers remain on the glass, covering approximately 8% of the total glass area.
Since 2006 we have installed over 7M sq ft of product worldwide with a durability and longevity of 15+ years. Our products are tested and approved by the American Bird Conservancy and Dr. Daniel Klem Jr., and supported by the National Audubon Society, FLAP Canada and many others.
1. Direct Mortality of Birds from Anthropogenic Causes | Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics (annualreviews.org)
The Collaboration
Mount Allison University Case Study
Over a single Spring migration season, 4th-year honours biology undergraduate student, Mackenzie Warman, discovered numerous injured and dead birds on campus due to collisions with the glass. She knew she needed to take action to improve campus grounds for local wildlife. To start, Feather Friendly’s Bird Collision Deterrent Markers were installed at the Barclay building entrance where most of the birds were found. A plan to ensure that future building renovations would include bird-safe practices was also instituted. Bird-safe treatments are still a work in progress on the campus, but the community has shown great support in this endeavor. See the full story here.
Mackenzie Warman
4th-yr Honours Biology Undergraduate Student
Making Princeton University Safer for Birds
Princeton University not only prides themselves in the study and focus of sustainability, but they also encourage the study of bird conservation and its importance to a well-balanced eco-system. While their glass buildings are visually beautiful and built with the idea of bringing the outdoors indoors, they have also caused a large problem for the bird community.
Bird strikes and ultimately bird fatalities have increased in recent years and in turn prompted an initiative to utilize bird deterrent markers. Feather Friendly® is proud to be a part of this ongoing project.
Photo: Krystal Ness - Simon Fraser University
