(Photo Credit: Lizz Eberhardt / NPS)
Zion National Park is taking one more step to protect birds. In observance of World Migratory Bird Day, it’s installing new treatments to windows to help make the glass more visible to birds.
“Birds’ eyes don’t work like ours. Plus they can’t read the structural cues like door frames or decks that we take for granted to watch out for glass,” Adam Reimer, Zion National Park biologist, said in a news release.
So, to protect them, crews are installing a new technology that takes advantage of birds’ ability to see ultraviolet light. The small plastic circles are transparent to you and me, but because they reflect ultraviolet light, the treatment makes windows more visible to birds.
“What they do see is a reflection of their natural habitat in the window,” says Reimer. “It’s part of our mission to protect birds in the park, and lots of visitors enjoy seeing them. That’s why we’re using a new technology that makes it easier for birds to see glass before they hit it.”
Zion started treating the windows in 2020. Right now, 40 percent of the windows in the park have been treated, with a goal of treating all the windows in the park. They’ll continue to treat the rest of the windows as staff time and resources allow.
World Migratory Bird Day is highlighted every year on May 14 to raise awareness about the need for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says nearly 1 billion birds collide with glass in the U.S. every year. Most happen at homes and buildings shorter than four stories tall. You’ve probably had it happen at your home. Here are a few things you can do to protect birds.
Birds are attracted to lighted buildings, so by using blinds or shades, you’ll reduce the amount of light that escapes your home at night. (Awnings and shutters do the same thing.) Remember to shut off your lights or use timers when you’re not using them. You can also dress up your windows with patterns, parachute chords, screen or netting, and decals.
Acid-etched, fritted, or frosted glass not only reduces bird collisions, but will reduce your energy costs as well. Ultraviolet-patterned glass is available with patterns that are generally invisible to humans, but visible to many birds. Channel glass is made of energy-efficient, recycled materials.
Learn more about how you can make the glass in your home easier for birds to see, and how you can help join the call to protect birds by visiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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