This article is courtesy of the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP). The Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada launched our first-ever Global Bird Rescue’s Collision Count Week from September 24 to 30, 2018 with the support of organizations and companies such as Ontario Nature, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Walker Glass.
The goal of Global Bird Rescue is to raise awareness about the dangers our built environment poses to migratory and resident birds. Windows and mirrored surfaces can be deadly for birds. Visit birdsafe.ca.
FLAP Canada was the first organization to undertake this vital work in Toronto. Other cities in Canada and the U.S. experiencing similar problems approached us to learn from our experience. We recognized that bird collisions were decimating populations around the world, but to stimulate action from governments, the corporate sector and individuals, we needed to gather more data.
Individuals and teams from many organizations spent a week counting the birds that hit buildings and recording the strikes on the Global Bird Collision Mapper – birdmapper.org. The Mapper is a mobile-friendly, online geo-mapping tool. During Collision Count Week, a live counter recorded all the injured and dead birds being submitted. But anyone can register anytime and submit bird strikes they witness year-round.
The data collected is being used to build a global database and contribute to crucial research. This inspires the development and implementation of bird conservation policies, standards and legislation at all levels of government. By encouraging people to search for birds, we increase the chances of finding live birds sooner, thereby increasing their chances of survival.
