Introducing the Bird Strike Project
Submitted by Monica on 04 Oct 2018.
Up to one billion birds strike glass in North America each year, and millions more hit windows each year around the globe, including across Australia. This is an enormous and heart-breaking number. But with your help, we can learn more about where and why it's happening, and work together to prevent one of the highest causes of bird injury and mortality.
BirdLife Australia’s Birds in Backyard Program is investigating the scale of the bird-strike problem in Australia, including both window and car collisions. Research is being conducted to guide solutions and best practice guidelines so that we can begin to understand this issue and how it is affecting Australian birds.
What are the main aims of the bird window/car strike project?
- Determine the scale of bird strikes and eventually map potential hotspots and;
- Collate international research and management solutions that may be applied to Australia.
How can you get involved?
You can report any bird window/car strikes using our online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/aussiebirdstrike
What attributes to bird window strike?
Start by examining your surroundings for causes of bird strike and make some changes – can you alter the attributes below? Check out the RSPCA website and the Birds in Backyards websites for more tips. Then check back for regular project updates, including survey results and management solutions as we learn!
- Building location
- Landscaping features i.e., bird feeders near windows
- Architectural features i.e., high surface area of glass/large windows
- Surrounding landscape i.e., highly vegetated close to buildings
There are several projects in North America and Canada (e.g. American Bird Conservancy and the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP)) and Europe (e.g. UV pens for windows and the RSPB), that involve citizen science, research into management solutions and product/solution offerings. Many websites and conservation organizations offer advice ranging from window decals to road signs; with little to no research on their effectiveness. Yet despite the amount of bird strike occurring globally, there is currently no work being undertaken on bird strike in Australia. (But see the RSPCA for some advice on their online knowledge base and the Birds in Backyards FAQ).
If you have a sick or injured bird you can find a list of carers here.
This project received financial support from the Australian Bird Environment Foundation of BirdLife Australia, The Belaberi Foundation and The Australian Geographic Society
Written by Kat Aburrow
Kat recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in environmental science from Griffith University. Kat is currently undertaking a skilled volunteer position at BirdLife Australia. She is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of all creatures great and small, especially our feathery friends.
