In the Greater Toronto Area last Wednesday, over 300 birds collided with windows, as reported by a volunteer organization dedicated to bird safety. Unfortunately, most of these birds did not survive the impact. Michael Mesure, the executive director of the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), emphasized that this issue is easily preventable but lacks proper incentives for change, as mentioned in an interview with CBC Toronto.
During a recent bird-patrol session in Markham, Mesure discovered 20 birds near a single building, with only one survivor. Carefully handling the surviving bird, Mesure prepared to transport it to a rehabilitation center, hoping for its recovery. Mesure expressed his concerns about the high fatality rate, labeling it as tragic.
While regulations in Toronto mandate collision deterrence measures for certain new constructions since 2022, most residential and existing buildings are not subject to these rules. A recent evaluation revealed a lack of enforcement, with no completed buildings in compliance with the bird safety guidelines.
To address this issue effectively, Mesure emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of guidelines and retrofitting existing buildings to mitigate bird collisions. Despite numerous challenges, including the high cost of window treatments, FLAP continues its efforts to document bird fatalities and advocate for necessary changes.
Markham has implemented collision deterrence strategies for new construction projects and initiated awareness campaigns to promote bird-safe glass on private properties. On a broader scale, Toronto holds the title of a certified “bird-friendly city,” meeting specific criteria set by Nature Canada.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist in collecting accurate data on bird collisions, with FLAP facing obstacles such as restricted access to private properties during patrols. The lack of comprehensive data impedes advocacy for meaningful change, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and enforcing bird safety measures across municipalities.
In conclusion, the critical issue of bird collisions with windows requires collaborative efforts, stringent enforcement of regulations, and increased public awareness to ensure the safety and conservation of bird populations in urban environments.