Bird Friendly Campus

A pilot program to monitor bird strikes was completed in October 2023. The purpose of the program was to estimate how many birds are injured or killed due to window collisions on campus during migratory periods. This program provides information to support the implementation of UBC’s Bird Friendly Design Guidelines for Buildings.

Why do birds collide with windows?

  • Window reflections: mirror images of vegetation and open skies
  • Migratory route: risk increases with windows along migratory route

    University House guardrail with bird friendly film installed.

  • Migratory season: risk increases during spring and fall
  • Lights: birds often travel at night and are attracted to building lights
  • Bird attractants: bird feeders or indoor plants near window attract birds

What is UBCO doing to reduce window collisions?

Responding to the Fall 2023 Bird Strike Monitoring Program, UBC Okanagan initiated a project to install bird friendly film on the University House. The film was installed in late-June and will be monitored for effectiveness.

What can building occupants do to reduce window collisions?

  • Be aware of bird attractants:
    • Move plants away from windows
    • Turn lights off or draw blinds after hours
  • Increase the visibility of glass:
    • Close curtains and blinds
  • Report collisions

What do volunteers do?

  • Walk around select campus buildings searching for bird strikes in the early morning during migratory seasons (20 mins/day)
  • Report findings (10 mins/day)
  • Spread awareness of bird strikes within your department and with building occupants who have outside windows
  • To become a VOLUNTEER, apply HERE

Resources