Glass buildings and city lights pose significant hazards to migrating birds. Glass surfaces, such as windows, can reflect the sky or vegetation, creating a deceptive illusion that birds attempt to fly through, resulting in fatal collisions. Additionally, transparent or reflective glass can be difficult for birds to perceive, leading to further collisions.
City lights can disorient birds, disrupting their navigation systems and causing them to become lost or exhausted. This light pollution can attract and distract birds, leading to collisions with structures or exposure to other risks. The combination of glass buildings and bright city lights increases the likelihood of bird fatalities during their critical migratory journeys.
If you ever come across a bird sitting on the sidewalk a few feet away from a building, it is likely stunned. If you see this, do not keep walking!
Here are some things you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
1. Put the bird in a paper bag or cardboard box (with holes in it). Take it to a Wildlife Rehab. Even birds with no visible injuries can have internal issues that require monitoring and/or further care.
2. We recognize the folks most likely to find a stunned bird on campus are commuter students, resident students who may not have access to transportation, or faculty/staff that are committed to a workday or teaching. If you are unable to transport the bird yourself please contact Dr. Maria Andreina Pacheco (or one of our other volunteers) so they can monitor the bird and/or arrange transportation to a clinic on your behalf.
Stunned birds are extremely vulnerable when left on the ground. They are unable to escape from predators and pedestrians can accidentally step on them. If you see a bird that has likely collided with a window and are unable to intervene in one of the ways listed above, please place them in a garden bed or similarly safe area away from pedestrian traffic. This small measure can improve the bird’s chance of recovery.