Fall brings increased risk for migratory birds: Animal Rescue in British Columbia

As the weather cools and birds migrate to warmer climates, a wildlife rescue service in British Columbia has seen a “tragic increase” in animals injured or killed after flying into windows.

The Wildlife Rescue Association of BC has taken in 81 birds suffering from window-striking injuries since August, the organization said last week, urging people to take precautions to prevent injuries and deaths.

“When birds migrate, they become very vulnerable to window strikes because glass surfaces are invisible to them. “The large windows and glass balcony railings of high-rise buildings pose a particular danger to migratory birds,” Jackie McQuillan, the rescue support center manager, said in a statement.

Anyone who witnesses a bird strike is urged to call a rescue organization because, as McQuillan explained, the animals’ injuries can be difficult for a layperson to see and can take some time to become visible.

“Birds that crash into a window often suffer concussions, internal injuries, eye injuries and broken bones. “It is therefore important that they are assessed by a trained rehabilitator as quickly as possible,” she says.

The BC SPCA notes on its website that windows pose a danger to birds during the day because they reflect trees and the sky – making them look like an “inviting place to fly.” In addition, birds may mistake their reflection for that of a potential competitor or enemy that they are trying to attack by hitting the window. At night, indoor lights can attract and confuse birds.

Recommendations to prevent bird strikes include closing curtains or blinds and placing stickers. The Wildlife Rescue Association of BC says about 25 million birds die from window strikes in Canada each year.

The organization also notes that this year’s Bird Photographer of the Year award went to an image by photographer Patricia Homonylo that showed more than 4,000 birds that died from window strikes in Toronto.