As gardeners, we spend a lot of time observing nature up close — When will my tomatoes turn red? What’s eating my hosta? What’s that white stuff on my peonies? – and we react as needed to ensure our plants survive and thrive. But there are other, sometimes overlooked, garden residents that need our help, too: birds. A recent study jointly conducted by scientists at Fordham University, the NYC Bird Alliance, the American Bird Conservancy and Stony Brook University in New York found that kill more than 1 billion birds annually in the U.
S., mostly at homes and other lower buildings. That number is likely even higher because birds can hit a window, become injured and fly away, then die elsewhere or be taken by a predator, said Connie Sanchez, program manager for bird-friendly buildings at the National Audubon Society.
But small changes by homeowners and renters can . Many of the collisions are the direct result of the use of artificial lighting, such as from street, building or porch lights. “Birds are drawn to light, and artificial light is drawing them off of their migratory paths and confusing them as they get closer to the light, so they collide with buildings and windows,” Sanchez said.
“Or they’re led to circle in confusion, call out (in distress) and then land, drained of energy.” The number of window strikes soars during the seasonal spring and fall periods, when birds migrate to and from their breeding homes. Sanchez said.
That’s because they rely on .
