Bright floodlights killed 400 birds in just one week

We can reduce the threats birds face with your help.

KAREN, within one week in 2017, nearly 400 birds were caught in the floodlights of a 32-story Texas skyscraper and killed via window collisions. Unfortunately collisions like this aren't rare—hundreds of millions, and up to a billion birds, are killed every single year in building collisions across the United States. That's why we're working in and partnering with cities and communities across the country to make all of our lands safer for birds.

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KAREN, if you become an annual donor your gift will be matched up to $5,000 for vulnerable birds. Can we count on your help straight away?

Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

We can make buildings safer for birds.

Dear KAREN, When you think of bird building collisions, what usually comes to mind are enormous, glass encased, skyscrapers in big cities. But surprisingly, many of these collisions happen in low rise residential areas. Most birds don't perceive glass as an obstacle. So for birds like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, shiny glass exteriors, internal plants near windows, glass corners, and greenery close to buildings can all be deadly. Your gift will be matched up to $5,000 for birds like the Ruby Throated Hummingbird if you commit yourself to birds with an annual gift. Can we count on you?

As part of our work to protect birds and the places they need, we're raising awareness about actions individuals and building owners can take to reduce glass collisions. These simple solutions can help make our communities and the skies safer for birds. Solutions such as: Turning off exterior decorative lighting Extinguishing pot and flood-lights Turning off interior lighting, especially on higher stories Down-shielding exterior lighting Installing automatic motion sensors and controls Assessing the quality and quantity of light needed, and avoiding over-lighting with newer, brighter technology We know that simple changes can help birds. Whether it's building safer buildings or working to combat our climate emergency, there are things we can all do together to protect birds.

We need your help to protect birds

Up to 1 billion birds are killed in building collisions each year.

Species like Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and American Goldfinches are particularly susceptible to building strikes.

We're advocating for legislation like the Bird Safe Buildings Act, to help birds avoid collisions by promoting bird-friendly materials and design features at federal buildings.

We've lost 3 billion birds over the last 50 years, and window collisions are one of the leading direct human causes of bird mortality. Consistent support from generous people like you allows us to continue a variety of programs that address the biggest challenges that birds face and aim to secure them a brighter future. Your gift will be matched up to $5,000 for birds like the Ruby Throated Hummingbird if you make an annual donation today. Will you join us? Sincerely, National Audubon Society

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Photo: Wendy Fulginiti/Audubon Photography Awards. Illustrations: Ruby-throated Hummingbird and American Goldfinch.

 

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