If you can spare some time to help birds, FLAP Canada is launching a global campaign dubbed Collision Count Week from September 24th through to 30th.  The timing coincides with the fall migration season and it doesn’t matter where you live, the problem is truly everywhere.

The idea is raise global awareness of the issue of bird-building collisions by enlisting the general public to lend a hand as citizen scientists. 

What you basically do is lookout for birds that have collided with buildings and enter the information (time, date, species, side of building) into the Global Bird Collision Mapper.  If you’re not sure of the species, it’s simple enough to upload a snapshot from your phone. Collision data helps paint a picture of where bird strikes commonly occur and can help lead to changes in building code and development policies.

Sometimes you’ll come across live birds that are stunned or injured from a window strike.  You can save them. This little bird in my hand is a Blackburnian Warbler that I found in front of an office tower. The warbler was assessed and found to be healthy, and was later released in a place away from any buildings with reflective glass.  The olive coloured bird at top is a Red Eyed Vireo, and although it appeared fine at first glance, the vireo was unable to fly and was brought to the Toronto Wildlife Centre for treatment. 

Steps on to handle live birds are on the website. You may also live in a city with a local bird rescue group where you can volunteer and receive training on how to safely handle injured migratory birds.

To get involved or learn more, please visit: Global Bird Rescue