Last Wednesday, over 300 birds collided with windows in the Greater Toronto Area, discovered by a volunteer group dedicated to bird safety. Unfortunately, most of the birds did not survive the collisions. Michael Mesure, the executive director of the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), highlighted the simplicity of resolving this issue but pointed out that the lack of incentives hinders necessary changes, as stated in an interview with CBC Toronto.
During a patrol in Markham, Mesure encountered 20 birds around a single building and carefully placed the sole survivor in a paper bag for transportation to a rehabilitation center. He emphasized the challenge of helping the surviving bird recuperate and expressed sorrow over the high death toll.
Although Toronto mandates collision deterrence measures on certain new buildings since 2022, this requirement excludes most residential and existing structures. A recent self-reported evaluation revealed the lack of enforcement, with no buildings complying with the guidelines in the city.
To address the issue effectively, Mesure stressed the importance of enforcing these regulations and retrofitting existing buildings to prevent bird collisions.
The decline in North American bird populations over the past 50 years, as reported in a 2019 study, has raised concerns. Mesure explained that the ongoing bird migrations make this time of year particularly hazardous for bird collisions. Recent data from the Global Bird Collision Mapper indicated approximately 2,000 bird fatalities due to building collisions in the GTA in the past month.
FLAP volunteers meticulously document any bird injuries or fatalities during patrols and provide care for injured birds at rehabilitation centers. Mesure identified buildings under 20 meters tall with windows reflecting foliage as major contributors to bird collisions, emphasizing the need for visible distinctions on windows to prevent these incidents.
Despite FLAP’s efforts to identify buildings causing the most harm to birds, persuading building owners to implement bird-safe measures remains challenging due to the associated costs. Mesure highlighted the costliness of window treatments, making it difficult to motivate building owners without significant financial incentives.
Markham has taken steps to include collision deterrence strategies in new construction projects and conducts awareness campaigns promoting bird-safe glass on private properties. However, the lack of tools to enforce retrofits poses a challenge in ensuring bird safety in existing buildings.
Toronto’s certification as a “bird-friendly city” requires meeting specific criteria related to environmental protection and community outreach. While the city has made progress in promoting bird-friendly practices, enforcement of window requirements remains an unresolved issue.
Despite challenges in data collection and outreach efforts, FLAP continues to play a crucial role in monitoring bird safety in Toronto and Markham. Mesure highlighted the importance of accurate data collection, as it is essential for advocating policy changes to mitigate bird collisions.