Flocks of birds in Ontario are now on the move, flying south on their annual fall migrations. But many birds, both large and small, will not make it to their warmer destination, thanks to a largely invisible threat.
Flocks of birds in Ontario are now on the move, flying south on their annual fall migrations. But many birds, both large and small, will not make it to their warmer destination, thanks to a largely invisible threat. Each year, millions of birds are injured or die flying straight into windows they mistake for open air. Now, Queen’s is aiming to make its campus a little safer for them to navigate thanks to new film in place over windows at select locations.
The Office of Sustainability installed the deterrent film after seeing research on bird collisions that was conducted by a Queen’s student. Combining research with sustainability, the installation has brought people from across the university together to protect the local environment.
“We are aiming to make Queen’s as sustainable as possible, and part of that work is reducing our impact on local wildlife populations. With this film in place, we expect to significantly reduce the number of birds that die from flying into windows of campus buildings,” says Nathan Splinter, Manager, Energy and Sustainability. “The project is starting off with film on the windows of one building, but we see great potential for expansion.”
The Office of Sustainability chose the Biosciences Complex as the site of the first installation of the deterrent film. In late August, Physical Plant Services placed the film on the windows of a stairwell facing Barrie Street. Humphrey-Craine Hall will receive the next installation of film in the coming months.
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Image via Queen's University.
