More than 300 birds collided with windows in various locations across the Greater Toronto Area last Wednesday. A volunteer organization dedicated to bird safety discovered the incidents, with most of the birds not surviving the impact. Michael Mesure, the executive director of the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), emphasized that this issue could be easily resolved with proper measures but highlighted the lack of motivation among building owners to make necessary changes.
During a bird-patrol session in Markham, Mesure encountered 20 birds near a building, with only one surviving bird that he carefully placed in a paper bag for transportation to a rehabilitation center. Mesure expressed his concern about the high fatality rate and stressed the need for enforcement of guidelines to prevent such incidents.
Although Toronto has mandated collision deterrence measures for certain new constructions since 2022, the regulation does not extend to most residential or existing buildings. Compliance with the standard is lacking, as revealed in the latest evaluation report obtained by CBC Toronto from a national bird-safe cities program.
To address the issue effectively, Mesure emphasized the importance of enforcing guidelines and retrofitting buildings to prevent bird collisions. He highlighted that the major cause of collisions is buildings with windows reflecting greenery, which confuses birds during flight. Mesure suggested implementing visible patterns or markings on windows to prevent such incidents.
While some municipalities like Markham have taken steps to incorporate bird collision deterrence strategies in new construction plans, the enforcement of these measures remains a challenge. Toronto’s certification as a “bird-friendly city” by Nature Canada recognizes efforts to reduce threats to bird populations, but the lack of enforcement mechanisms for window requirements hinders progress in this area.
Despite ongoing efforts by organizations like FLAP to collect data on bird collisions, challenges persist, including difficulties in accessing private properties and obtaining accurate data due to scavenging and injured birds flying away. Mesure highlighted the importance of raising awareness and gathering data to advocate for effective changes in building practices to protect bird populations.
