Developing an App to Inform Community-Led Mitigation of Bird-Window Collisions

Student Researcher (2023)

Ethan Stewart, Major: Biology, Major: Environmental Sustainability

Student Researcher (2022)

Isabella Ortiz-Miller, Major: Biology, Major: Environmental Science and Policy

Student Researcher (2021)

Hannah Dahl '23, Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor

Dr. John Swaddle

Project Description

We have lost nearly three billion birds in North America since 1970 as a result of window collisions, highlighting the urgent need for widespread mitigation to protect bird populations in the face of rapid development and urbanization. Birds do not see glass and it creates a lethal illusion of clear airspace. Inclement weather during migration increases bird attraction to lighted buildings resulting in nighttime collisions. Fortunately, low-cost glass treatments and nighttime light reduction significantly decrease the likelihood of birds colliding with glass. However, it is essential to close the gap between the availability of aesthetically appealing, cost-effective options and the actual application of these options to glass, where it matters to birds.

Community-led conservation can be increased via a glass treatment prioritization app that includes variables influencing bird collisions (e.g., surrounding vegetation, glass height, and glass reflectivity) and variables influencing human engagement in bird conservation actions (e.g., time and cost). Like the Fatal Light Awareness Program Canada-specific app (https://www.flapapp.ca/), an app would facilitate fast and effective prioritization of glass treatments and decrease the number of birds lost to glass collisions. A long-term student-led research project, W&M students have conducted background research and have designed and implemented a user-focused app that inspires and facilitates community-led mitigation of window collisions needed to conserve bird populations.

Project ID - Format

21-011-21 - CRP Year
21-011-22 - CRP Year
21-011-23 - CRP Year