Window  collisions  are  a  prime  cause  of bird  fatalities (second only to falling prey to cats), causing  anywhere from 365 to 988 million deaths per year in the United States.  Collisions are most apparent to  us during migration but occur all year.

Four Harbors Audubon learned of a severe window-strike problem at two of State University at Stony Brook's South Campus. Of special concern was a cluster of interconnected buildings, each one-story  tall, and covered in mirrored windows.

 A South Campus walk to determine the severity of the strike problem, conducted by Four Harbors Conservation Chair, John Turner, revealed 20 stunned or dead birds, including species such as  American redstart, Canada warbler, black-and-white warbler, Swainson’s thrush, common yellowthroat,  gray catbird, common grackle, dark-eyed junco and American robin.  More collisions were found during  two subsequent  visits. 

A proposal to embark on a project to address the problem was brought to the Four Harbors Board,  voted upon and approved.  And so, the SUNY Stony Brook Bird-safe Building initiative was begun. Our  current goal is the elimination, or at least a sharp reduction, in the incidence of bird window strikes throughout  the university.

Subsequent visits to the treated buildings on the South Campus showed a marked decline in bird strikes.

See an article on bird strikes.

All photos: Patrice Domeischel

Bird-safe Buildings