The USGS EESC hopes to be an example or what can be done across the nation at other USGS and federal facilities to prevent the unnecessary mortality of birds from collisions. Bird collisions with glass is the third leading threat to birds after habitat loss and cats and more than a billion birds are killed each year in the United States alone. Many birds can die during mass collision events in urban areas, one of which recently occurred in Chicago when 1,000 birds struck one building, over one night. However, single collision events can occur any time of the year at our homes, schools, or offices as well and have a cumulative impact across the landscape. Birds often fail to see glass as an obstacle and collide with windows when they fly towards natural reflections of habitat, like sky or plants. Birds are also attracted to lights shining through windows. EESC Gabrielson remains vigilant in protecting birds from colliding with glass now and for many years to come. 

The USGS is currently exploring how we may add to the science of understanding bird collisions through the data collected from the USGS’s Bird Banding Laboratory database. While some collided birds are banded, many are not. Any banded bird that collides with glass provides a small glimpse at the serious problem of window collisions but can also provide vital information for that bird such as seasonal and temporal patterns, migratory pathways, and the reason for a bird’s demise. 

To report a band to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory from a bird that has collided with glass, please submit at www.reportband.gov. Be sure to indicate that the bird struck a building or window in the “How Obtained” data field.