Project BirdSafe: Reducing Hazards to Birds

Common Yellowthroats are often window collision victims in Minnesota.

Photo credit: Jim Williams

Every year hundreds of millions of birds are killed in window collisions in this country alone. Project BirdSafe is a program designed to learn more about birds and window strikes and to take actions that will help prevent this problem.

Knowledge is Power!
Research helps us understand what changes will help birds avoid collisions. Project BirdSafe volunteers monitor specific research routes in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul for dead and injured birds. Their findings reveal the numbers and types of birds that are affected and the most problematic building designs.

Dim the Lights and Brighten the Future
The Lights Out program works with building owners and tenants to turn off all unnecessary lighting from midnight to dawn during spring and fall migrations. Lights Out is a proven strategy for reducing the number of birds that become disoriented by night lighting and as a result, fly into buildings.

What can you do?
Lights Out isn’t just about skyscrapers. You can help in two important ways: One is to make your windows at home safe for birds. Reducing unnecessary lighting at home saves energy, reduces pollution and helps birds and other wildlife that need darker skies. Reduce window reflections by installing exterior screens or by closing blinds during the day. Keep your feeders either very close or far from windows to help birds avoid deadly collisions. Another way is to volunteer to help survey downtown buildings during migration for fallen birds – email Audubon Minnesota for more information (training is required).

Project Partners
Project BirdSafe is grateful for the support of Audubon Minnesota, the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, The Bell Museum of Natural History, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, the National Park Service, St. Paul Audubon, the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, and Zumbro Valley Audubon, and for funding provided by TogetherGreen in Alliance with Toyota.