Bird-Friendly Building Design Bird-Friendly Building Design

The white stripes on this glass wall are an easy way to make a verydangerous area safe for birds. Photo: Hans SchmidLocationAre there particular windows, groups of windows, orbuilding facades that account for most collisions? Itmay be cost effective to modify only those sectionsof glass. Is glass located where birds fly betweenroosting or nesting and feeding sites? Are there areaswhere plants can be seen through glass – for example,an atrium, courtyard, or glazed passageway?Are there architectural or landscaping features thattend to direct birds towards glass? Examples mightbe a wall or rock outcropping, or a clear pathwaybordered by dense vegetation. Solutions here mightinclude using a screen or trellis to divert flight paths.Are there fruit trees, berry bushes, or other plantsnear windows that are likely to attract birds closer toglass? These windows should be a high priority forremediation. The glass itself can be modified, but itmay also be possible to use live or inanimate landscapingelements, to block the view between foodsources and windows.Local Bird PopulationsWhat birds are usually found in the area? Local birdgroups or volunteers may be able to help characterizelocal and transitory bird populations, as well asthe most likely routes for birds making short flightsaround the area.While patterns on the exterior surface of glass are most effective, blindsand curtains can help disrupt reflections. Partially open blinds, like thoseseen here, are most effective. Photo: Christine Sheppard, ABCLocal bird-watchers can be a source of detailed information about local birds and their movements. Photo: Chip Miller50 Bird-Friendly Building Design