Photo Credit: Samples of birds you might find making a home, or migrating through, Markham this fall
As the fall migratory season begins, the City of Markham encourages residents to make their homes and offices bird friendly during migration season. Approximately 82% of bird-window collisions, recorded by volunteers in Markham, affected migratory birds and occurred during the months of September and October. And, approximately 900 bird strikes were recorded in Markham between 2000 and 2012. Window collisions are the second leading cause of bird mortality in North America, exceeded only by cats.
Markham and the surrounding GTA are located along ancient migratory paths that cannot be changed to accommodate urban development. Nocturnal migratory birds use constellations as their guide and can become distracted by building lights, causing them to fly off course and into danger.
The following tips can reduce the risk of collisions between birds and windows, and will allow for a safe migratory path:
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Turn off inside lights at night to reduce light pollution that can distract nocturnal migratory birds
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Ensure exterior lights face downward and not up or toward reflective surfaces
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Reduce window transparency during the day by closing curtains and blinds
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Move house plants away from windows; birds are attracted to them as a place of refuge
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Be on alert for injured, or stunned, birds as a result of a window collision, and seek or administer any necessary aid.
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Found an injured bird? Visit the Toronto Wildlife Centre or call the Toronto Wildlife Center’s Hotline: 416-631-0662
Markham Council endorsed Bird Friendly Guidelines recommended by the City’s Community Sustainability Plan, Greenprint. These Guidelines offer solutions for residents and developers to prevent collisions between birds and windows. Markham is active in supporting bird friendly buildings by retrofitting existing buildings to meet the Guidelines, incorporating bird friendly design standards in new municipal buildings, and encouraging best practices in private sector developments. |