On a recent Wednesday, over 300 birds were discovered by a volunteer-led organization in the Greater Toronto Area after colliding with windows, resulting in a high fatality rate. Michael Mesure, the executive director of the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), expressed that the problem is easily solvable but lacks incentives for necessary changes. Mesure, during a bird-patrol activity in Markham, found 20 birds near a single building, with only one survivor. The surviving bird was carefully placed in a paper bag for transportation to a rehabilitation center.
Despite regulations in place since 2022 requiring collision deterrence on new builds in Toronto, the majority of residential and existing buildings are not covered. The enforcement of these standards is lacking, as per the latest self-reported evaluation obtained by CBC Toronto. Mesure emphasized the need for enforcing guidelines to prevent bird collisions effectively.
The decline in North American bird populations by billions over the past 50 years has been a cause for concern, particularly during migration seasons like the present. Approximately 2,000 bird collisions with buildings have occurred in the GTA in the last month alone, as reported by the Global Bird Collision Mapper. FLAP volunteers diligently document injuries and fatalities, transferring injured birds to rehabilitation centers while encountering hundreds of birds on some days.
The primary cause of collisions is buildings under 20 meters tall with windows reflecting foliage, confusing birds and leading to fatal impacts. Mesure highlighted the importance of making window surfaces distinct from nature to prevent collisions, suggesting solutions like opaque patterns or dots on glass.
Markham mandates collision deterrence strategies in new builds, with initiatives to promote bird-safe glass on private properties. Toronto has earned recognition as a “bird-friendly city” by Nature Canada, emphasizing threat reduction, environmental protection, and community engagement. However, the enforcement of window requirements remains untracked in the bird-friendly cities certification program.
Challenges persist in data collection efforts for bird safety plans in Toronto and Markham, with FLAP often facing obstacles like being asked to leave private properties during patrols. The lack of comprehensive data impedes advocacy for necessary changes, with Mesure stressing the importance of visual evidence to raise awareness and drive improvements.