Protect the Birds Migrating Overhead!
Protecting the night skies is especially important during the two peak periods of bird migration. In the U.S., spring migration peaks during mid-April to mid-May and fall bird migration peaks from mid-September October. For live maps showing the migratory bird activity overhead where you live, visit birdcast.org. Although peak migration periods are most critical, keeping bird protective measures in place throughout the year is best!
How can we protect migratory birds:
Turn out the lights: Artificial light at night (ALAN) causes birds to become disoriented and strike glass OR fly around all night until they finally land—exhausted and vulnerable to other hazards. Turning out the lights can be as simple as “turning off the lights” or adding light-blocking curtains.
Mark your windows to prevent glass strikes: Apply stickers or paint designs on the outside of your windows. For a grid to paint dots, use this Handy Guide for Marking Windows or for a stencil to make decals use this to apply stickers to the OUTSIDE of windows. Remember, the 2 x 2 rule! Gaps larger than 2 inches and single stickers simply DON’T offer protection. Markings must be placed on the OUTSIDE of the windows. OR you can hang paracord every 4 inches. Visit the American Bird Conservancy website for a database of glass strike prevention products and solutions.
Keep cats indoors: Visit the American Bird Conservancy website for a database of glass strike prevention products and solutions. Create interesting indoor worlds for them and care for them in a wildlife-friendly way. The SPCA offers free plans for building catios, including DIY window catios, porch catios, stand-alone catios with tunnel access and catio enrichment plans.
Between 100-million to one-billion are killed annually due to light pollution. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that well over 1 million birds strike glass per day at our HOME windows, and equally unsettling is that in the U.S. ALONE, our pet cats kill between 1 to 2.7 million birds PER DAY! Stray cats, such as barn cats, kill 3x that many. With this trifecta of bird hazards, I personally take some comfort that this is a problem that at least there are some small actions I can take to protect birds. I hope you'll join me!
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