Over 300 birds collided with windows in the Greater Toronto Area last Wednesday, discovered by a volunteer group dedicated to bird safety. Sadly, most of the birds did not survive the accidents. Michael Mesure, the executive director of the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), emphasized that the issue is easily solvable, but the lack of motivation hinders necessary changes. During a recent bird-patrol mission in Markham, Mesure encountered 20 birds near a single building, with only one surviving bird that he carefully placed in a paper bag for transport to a rehabilitation facility.
Mesure highlighted the urgency of enforcing guidelines to prevent bird collisions. Despite Toronto’s 2022 mandate for collision deterrence in new constructions, the rule does not extend to most residential or existing buildings. According to a recent evaluation obtained by CBC Toronto, the existing standards are not enforced, and no buildings in the city comply with the guideline.
The decline in North American bird populations over the past 50 years, as outlined in a 2019 report, is alarming. Mesure pointed out that the current season is particularly perilous for birds due to migration patterns. Recent data from the Global Bird Collision Mapper revealed approximately 2,000 bird fatalities from building collisions in the GTA in the last month alone.
FLAP volunteers diligently document bird injuries and fatalities during patrols, aiming to bring injured birds to rehabilitation centers. Mesure emphasized that many bird deaths occur near buildings under 20 meters tall with windows reflecting vegetation, confusing birds and leading to fatal collisions. Implementing visible patterns on glass surfaces can help prevent such incidents, by making the windows distinguishable from natural surroundings.
While some cities like Markham have taken steps to include collision deterrence strategies in new construction, retrofitting existing buildings remains a challenge due to high costs. Mesure emphasized the need for building owners to prioritize bird safety despite the lack of financial incentives. Toronto’s certification as a “bird-friendly city” by Nature Canada underscores its commitment to environmental conservation efforts.
Efforts to enforce bird safety guidelines and promote bird-friendly building practices are essential to mitigate the alarming rate of bird collisions. Despite the challenges in data collection and enforcement, organizations like FLAP continue their advocacy for bird safety, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent further bird fatalities.
