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PREVENT WINDOW COLLISONS
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Bird-glass collisions are one of the leading human-related causes of bird loss today. According to latest research, at least a billion birds are killed annually in the US.
Because glass reflects habitat or is transparent, birds cannot recognize it as a solid object and fly into it, often with fatal results. With so much glass being used today, from clear glass railings to high-rise buildings and glass cabins to residential homes, this presents a big problem. Almost anywhere you find untreated glass, there is a danger to avian welfare. WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? Appling a specific pattern of lines or dots to the OUTSIDE of reflective glass is the most effective way to prevent collisions. BSBO recommends two companies to purchase and/or apply these products to homes and businesses. 1) Feather Friendly in Ontario, Canada Feather Friendly® Bird Collision Deterrent Technologies makes glass visible to birds. Since 2006, we have offered the highest quality solutions with exceptional durability and longevity. We are tested and approved* by American Bird Conservancy, Dr. Daniel Klem Jr., and supported by countless other organizations. While every project is unique, independent studies have shown a 95%+ reduction in bird-glass collisions.¹ 2) Clearview Tinting in Toledo Ohio With over 22 years of experience in the window film industry, there’s no challenge we haven’t tackled. As the premier 3M window film installer in the region, Clearview Tinting has been serving clients of all sizes throughout Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana for over two decades. We’ve partnered with clients of all scales, from homeowners seeking comfort and privacy to large corporations aiming for energy efficiency and security. Our clients’ trust in us has been reaffirmed repeatedly as they continue to choose Clearview Tinting for all their window film application needs. |
Six of the nearly 1,000 birds found dead at McCormick Place.
McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago experienced significant bird deaths from window collisions, culminating in a single-night event in October 2023 where nearly 1,000 birds died. Following this disaster, the building installed bird-safe film on its windows, leading to a dramatic reduction of bird fatalities. A fall 2024 search found only 48 dead birds, a decrease of over 90%.Left to right: Palm Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, and Common Yellowthroat. Photo by Daryl Coldren.
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LIGHTS OUT FOR BIRDS
Every spring and fall, millions of birds migrate through Ohio on their way between their breeding and overwintering grounds. Most species of songbirds migrate at night, and lights on tall buildings or aimed at the sky can disorient them and draw them into buildings. This causes many birds to strike windows or circle buildings until they fall from exhaustion. Researchers have estimated that between 365 and 988 millions birds die each year in the United States from building collisions, with a recent study suggesting that this number could be 1.7 billion or more annually.
Ohio Lights Out is working to prevent bird collisions.
Join us as we expand our community efforts to make urban and suburban landscapes safer for migratory wildlife by taking as many of the following steps as possible:
• Turn off exterior decorative lighting
• Dim lobby and atrium lighting
• Turn off interior lights or draw blinds, especially on upper floors
These steps should be taken during the peak migratory periods for Ohio between midnight and dawn during spring and fall migration seasons.
• Spring: March 21 to June 1
• Fall: August 15 to October 31
Ohio Lights Out is working to prevent bird collisions.
Join us as we expand our community efforts to make urban and suburban landscapes safer for migratory wildlife by taking as many of the following steps as possible:
• Turn off exterior decorative lighting
• Dim lobby and atrium lighting
• Turn off interior lights or draw blinds, especially on upper floors
These steps should be taken during the peak migratory periods for Ohio between midnight and dawn during spring and fall migration seasons.
• Spring: March 21 to June 1
• Fall: August 15 to October 31
KEEP CATS INDOORS
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From Our Partners at American Bird Conservancy
Domestic cats (Felis catus) can provide excellent companionship and make wonderful pets. But when allowed to roam outdoors, this non-native, invasive species threatens the welfare of birds and other wildlife and endangers the integrity of the ecosystems into which domestic cats are introduced.
Domestic cats are recognized as a threat to global biodiversity. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 species across the world and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of species, including those that are threatened or endangered. The ecological dangers are so critical that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now lists domestic cats as one of the world’s worst non-native invasive species.
In the U.S., free-roaming domestic cats kill an estimated 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion mammals. The sheer quantity of cat-caused mortality is staggering. For perspective, consider that 1.4 billion is equivalent to the entire human population of China, the most populous country in the world. As the number of cats continues to grow and owners continue to allow their pets to roam, harmful impacts will surely increase.
Domestic cats (Felis catus) can provide excellent companionship and make wonderful pets. But when allowed to roam outdoors, this non-native, invasive species threatens the welfare of birds and other wildlife and endangers the integrity of the ecosystems into which domestic cats are introduced.
Domestic cats are recognized as a threat to global biodiversity. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 species across the world and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of species, including those that are threatened or endangered. The ecological dangers are so critical that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now lists domestic cats as one of the world’s worst non-native invasive species.
In the U.S., free-roaming domestic cats kill an estimated 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion mammals. The sheer quantity of cat-caused mortality is staggering. For perspective, consider that 1.4 billion is equivalent to the entire human population of China, the most populous country in the world. As the number of cats continues to grow and owners continue to allow their pets to roam, harmful impacts will surely increase.
PLANT NATIVE PLANTS / CREATE A HEALTHIER ECOSYSTEM
Native Columbine
Native plants are crucial for birds because they provide their essential food sources, such as fruits, seeds, nectar, and the specialized native insects (like caterpillars) that birds rely on, especially to feed their young. Additionally, these plants offer critical shelter and nesting sites, forming the base of the local food web and supporting the entire ecosystem. By growing native plants, you support the specialized relationship between birds, insects, and plants, which is vital for bird survival and ecological health.
Year-round food sources: Native plants offer a more comprehensive and reliable diet for birds than bird feeders alone.
Insects: Caterpillars and other insects are a critical food source for most terrestrial North American birds, especially during nesting season. A single family of chickadees can feed thousands of caterpillars to their young over a couple of weeks. Since native insects have evolved to feed on specific native plants, a native garden ensures a healthy insect population for birds.
Berries and fruits: Shrubs and trees like serviceberry, dogwood, and elderberry produce berries that are a nutritious food source for many species, including robins, thrushes, and waxwings. Some varieties hold their fruits well into the winter, providing crucial sustenance when other foods are scarce.
Seeds: The seed heads of native plants, such as coneflowers, sunflowers, and asters, feed finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds through the fall and winter.
Nectar: Nectar-producing flowers like cardinal flower and bee balm attract hummingbirds.
Shelter and nesting sites: Native plants provide diverse and reliable shelter for birds to hide, rest, and raise their young.
Year-round protection: Dense foliage from native conifers and evergreens offers protection from predators and severe weather throughout the year.
Multi-level coverage: A variety of plant types, including groundcovers, grasses, shrubs, and trees, creates a layered habitat. This protects ground-nesting birds, offers mid-level cover for many species, and provides high branches for roosting.
Nesting material and locations: Native plants offer secure places for nests, as well as materials like twigs and leaves for construction.
Dead wood: Dead trees, or "snags," provide cavities for nesting birds and foraging spots for woodpeckers and other species looking for overwintering insects.
A healthier ecosystem: Choosing native plants supports birds by creating a healthier, more balanced overall ecosystem.
Reduced chemical use: Native plants thrive in their local environment and are naturally more resistant to native pests and diseases. This minimizes the need for pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm birds directly or by eliminating their insect food sources.
Less maintenance: Because native plants are adapted to local climate and soil conditions, they require less watering and maintenance, conserving resources and reducing air pollution from gas-powered equipment.
Year-round food sources: Native plants offer a more comprehensive and reliable diet for birds than bird feeders alone.
Insects: Caterpillars and other insects are a critical food source for most terrestrial North American birds, especially during nesting season. A single family of chickadees can feed thousands of caterpillars to their young over a couple of weeks. Since native insects have evolved to feed on specific native plants, a native garden ensures a healthy insect population for birds.
Berries and fruits: Shrubs and trees like serviceberry, dogwood, and elderberry produce berries that are a nutritious food source for many species, including robins, thrushes, and waxwings. Some varieties hold their fruits well into the winter, providing crucial sustenance when other foods are scarce.
Seeds: The seed heads of native plants, such as coneflowers, sunflowers, and asters, feed finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds through the fall and winter.
Nectar: Nectar-producing flowers like cardinal flower and bee balm attract hummingbirds.
Shelter and nesting sites: Native plants provide diverse and reliable shelter for birds to hide, rest, and raise their young.
Year-round protection: Dense foliage from native conifers and evergreens offers protection from predators and severe weather throughout the year.
Multi-level coverage: A variety of plant types, including groundcovers, grasses, shrubs, and trees, creates a layered habitat. This protects ground-nesting birds, offers mid-level cover for many species, and provides high branches for roosting.
Nesting material and locations: Native plants offer secure places for nests, as well as materials like twigs and leaves for construction.
Dead wood: Dead trees, or "snags," provide cavities for nesting birds and foraging spots for woodpeckers and other species looking for overwintering insects.
A healthier ecosystem: Choosing native plants supports birds by creating a healthier, more balanced overall ecosystem.
Reduced chemical use: Native plants thrive in their local environment and are naturally more resistant to native pests and diseases. This minimizes the need for pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm birds directly or by eliminating their insect food sources.
Less maintenance: Because native plants are adapted to local climate and soil conditions, they require less watering and maintenance, conserving resources and reducing air pollution from gas-powered equipment.
CONNECT KIDS (OF ALL AGES!) WITH NATURE
The future of bird conservation depends on people caring about birds and the natural world. With each passing day, advancements in technology in our ever-changing world are pulling kids further and further from time outdoors.
Devote a few minutes to take your kids out for a birding trip. Volunteer to lead birding field trips for kids at a nature center, for your local Audubon Chapter, or for your family and friends. You don't have to be an expert to take people out birding. All you have to have is enthusiasm; the birds will do the rest!
DRINK BIRD-FRIENDLY COFFEE
Drinking certified bird-friendly coffee is an easy (and tasty!) way to support bird habitat conservation. To read more about how drinking shade-grown coffee helps migratory birds, please click HERE.
BSBO is happy to recommend BIRDS & BEANS for your certified bird-friendly coffee choice.
Birds & Beans
We want to make sure that people who enjoy coffee and care about conservation can get great coffee that they know is good for bird conservation, family farmers, and the environment. Our commitment to quality and service ensures that fresh-roasted, great-tasting ‘Birds & Beans - The Good Coffee™’ flies straight to your door and into your cup. For more information or to order, click HERE.
"I'm enthusiastic about 'Birds & Beans - The Good Coffee™' because I think this could be the initiative that actually connects the dots and makes something happen. And it gives me a chance to work with great people on a worthwhile project; I feel blessed to be involved.” ~Kenn Kaufman
BSBO is happy to recommend BIRDS & BEANS for your certified bird-friendly coffee choice.
Birds & Beans
We want to make sure that people who enjoy coffee and care about conservation can get great coffee that they know is good for bird conservation, family farmers, and the environment. Our commitment to quality and service ensures that fresh-roasted, great-tasting ‘Birds & Beans - The Good Coffee™’ flies straight to your door and into your cup. For more information or to order, click HERE.
"I'm enthusiastic about 'Birds & Beans - The Good Coffee™' because I think this could be the initiative that actually connects the dots and makes something happen. And it gives me a chance to work with great people on a worthwhile project; I feel blessed to be involved.” ~Kenn Kaufman
BUY CONSERVATION STAMPS
Purchase the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp
a.k.a. the Duck Stamp ($25)
Since the 1930s, the Federal Duck Stamps have contributed over $850 million and have helped to protect 5.5 million acres of habitat for wildlife and future generations. Buying the stamp is perhaps the single simplest thing individuals can do to support a legacy of wetland and grassland conservation for birds. Virtually all the stamp proceeds ($.98 of every $1) go to help secure valuable Refuge System habitats.
We feel strongly that every birder should purchase a Duck Stamp to...
1) support this important habitat conservation program; and
2) provide proof that birders will voluntarily purchase this stamp in order to support the resource.
For more information about Duck Stamps, including where to purchase one, click HERE.
a.k.a. the Duck Stamp ($25)
Since the 1930s, the Federal Duck Stamps have contributed over $850 million and have helped to protect 5.5 million acres of habitat for wildlife and future generations. Buying the stamp is perhaps the single simplest thing individuals can do to support a legacy of wetland and grassland conservation for birds. Virtually all the stamp proceeds ($.98 of every $1) go to help secure valuable Refuge System habitats.
We feel strongly that every birder should purchase a Duck Stamp to...
1) support this important habitat conservation program; and
2) provide proof that birders will voluntarily purchase this stamp in order to support the resource.
For more information about Duck Stamps, including where to purchase one, click HERE.
OHIO WILDLIFE LEGACY STAMP ($15)
Buying this collectible wildlife stamp will show your support for:
- 1) habitat restoration, land purchases, and conservation easements;
- 2) endangered and threatened native species;
- 3) educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts; and
- 4) wildlife and habitat research projects.
For more information about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, including where to purchase one, click HERE.
PICK UP DISCARDED FISHING LINE
Great Blue Heron with fishing line wrapped around its bill
Simple Fishing Line Receptacle
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Every year, thousands of birds become entangled in abandoned fishing line and die from drowning, starvation, dehydration, or strangulation. Sometimes these animals struggle for days before they die. Because fishing line is such a potent hazard to birds, it is imperative that it be properly cleaned up and safely disposed of. Whether or not you fish, you can always help.
From HOW FISHING LINE HURTS BIRDS by Melissa Mayntz
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DON'T RELEASE BALLOONS AND SKY LANTERN
Guillemot killed by balloon litter
All released balloons, including those falsely marketed as “biodegradable latex,” return to Earth as ugly litter. They kill countless animals and cause dangerous power outages. Balloons are also a waste of helium, a finite resource. Balloons can travel thousands of miles and pollute the most remote and pristine places.
A simple search on the internet reveals a startling number of graphic photos, like this one of the Guillemot (pictured to the left) hanging from the fence after becoming entangled in balloons and strings.
Please, do not release balloons and sky lanterns. Learn more about this issue by visiting www.balloonsblow.org
A simple search on the internet reveals a startling number of graphic photos, like this one of the Guillemot (pictured to the left) hanging from the fence after becoming entangled in balloons and strings.
Please, do not release balloons and sky lanterns. Learn more about this issue by visiting www.balloonsblow.org
JOIN THE BSBO FLOCK!
Black Swamp Bird Observatory operates primarily through the generosity of its members and donors. Joining the BSBO team by becoming a member is a great way to support the Observatory's work and stay in touch with our mission. In return, we offer our members discounts in our gift shop, our bi-annual BSBO News, discounts on field trips, events, and The Biggest Week In American Birding, and the reward of knowing that you're helping the birds by supporting a good cause!
Join HERE!
Join HERE!