This project is for the birds!
In time for spring migration season, the public restrooms at Teardrop Park (located in The Solaire building on River Terrace between Murray and Warren streets) now display temporary window applications to decrease bird window collisions.
This month, BPCA Parks Operations staff applied “Window Gems” decals and decorative white paint to break up reflected images of nearby trees and shrubs that birds sometimes fly into as they seek shelter and food. This bird-friendly glass installation will only be displayed throughout the March-June bird migration season. To watch the installation, click here.
Why windows?
New York City is located along the Atlantic Flyway, and Battery Park City is an important stop along many birds’ journeys each spring and fall (August-November). Migration is a long and treacherous journey — most birds migrate at night, and predators, reflective glass, and light pollution from urban areas can disorient and harm them. While on their journeys, parks and greenspaces provide food and shelter so they can rest and refuel.
Birds see the world differently from us. Most birds have excellent vision and can even see ultraviolet light! One thing they don’t do well is differentiate reflections from the objects nearby. Windows are transparent and reflective. When we see a reflection of a tree in a glass window, we know that we are seeing an image of a tree in the glass, not the tree itself. But birds can’t tell the difference between a reflection and the object, so they often mistake a reflective window or door as a real habitat. This results in birds flying head-on into glass surfaces, often injuring wings or beaks, or being killed. Worldwide, experts estimate that up to 1 billion birds die each year after colliding with windows. Humans can take steps to break up reflections in glass and make the environment safer for birds and wildlife.
What is BPCA doing to support wildlife?
BPCA is analyzing observational data from the Battery Park City Wildlife iNaturalist project to improve operations and management of its landscapes. This data identified Teardrop Park public restroom windows as a location where birds are vulnerable to window strikes.
BPCA staff actively contribute wildlife observations to iNaturalist and dbird.org, a bird strike database managed by the NYC Bird Alliance.
In addition, BPCA is in the process of updating its wildlife protocol and initiatives. Stay tuned!
What can I do to support wildlife?
• Create an iNaturalist account and become a community scientist. Your data has the potential to support research initiatives pertaining to climate change and biodiversity.
• Document dead and injured birds that you observe on dbird.org.
• Check out the NYS DEC’s guidance regarding Wildlife Health.
• Learn about the Wild Bird Fund, a local nonprofit that rehabilitates injured birds and squirrels, and consider transporting injured wildlife to their location on the Upper East Side.
• Check out NYC Bird Alliance resources for improving habitat for birds along the Atlantic Flyway and consider volunteering for Project Safe Flight.
• Turn off lights and close window shades to block out light at night, especially during the spring and fall bird migration seasons. If your windows have resulted in bird collisions, consider temporary solutions (white paint, decals, window coverings) or permanent glass retrofits.
Email info.bpc@bpca.ny.gov with any questions or suggestions.
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