Background info on the OSU Bird Nerds Campus Bird Strike Project:
Up to one billion birds die each year in the United States when they hit windows, walls, and other man-made structures, making collisions one of the most costly threats to bird populations. These strikes are a major conservation issue and many species, including vulnerable or declining species, are especially susceptible to window collisions. Window collisions occur year-round, however, strikes are most common during peak migrations seasons. The Willamette Valley provides important habitat for migratory birds migrating via the Pacific Flyway, however window collisions in the Western U.S. have been understudied in comparison to the Eastern U.S.
Oregon State University has anecdotal evidence to suggest that it may have an issue with window collisions, as many concerned members of the public have reported seeing deceased birds on sideways and near buildings during the spring.
The OSU Bird Nerds Bird Strike Project (advised by Dr. Doug Robinson) was initiated in January 2018, to collect data on prevalence of bird-window collisions on the Corvallis campus, identify which species are most common in collisions, and identify which buildings or specific windows on campus would be most appropriate for implementing measures to reduce the chance of bird strikes.
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with monitoring buildings on the Corvallis campus about once a week. Each survey takes about 5-10 min and survey training will be provided. We are especially excited to provide opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in this research! Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page if you are interested.
We also encourage the public to submit data on dead birds that they encounter incidentally on campus. To fill out an incidental report you will need the following information:
Additional information on bird-window collisions and ways to prevent them:
Up to one billion birds die each year in the United States when they hit windows, walls, and other man-made structures, making collisions one of the most costly threats to bird populations. These strikes are a major conservation issue and many species, including vulnerable or declining species, are especially susceptible to window collisions. Window collisions occur year-round, however, strikes are most common during peak migrations seasons. The Willamette Valley provides important habitat for migratory birds migrating via the Pacific Flyway, however window collisions in the Western U.S. have been understudied in comparison to the Eastern U.S.
Oregon State University has anecdotal evidence to suggest that it may have an issue with window collisions, as many concerned members of the public have reported seeing deceased birds on sideways and near buildings during the spring.
The OSU Bird Nerds Bird Strike Project (advised by Dr. Doug Robinson) was initiated in January 2018, to collect data on prevalence of bird-window collisions on the Corvallis campus, identify which species are most common in collisions, and identify which buildings or specific windows on campus would be most appropriate for implementing measures to reduce the chance of bird strikes.
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with monitoring buildings on the Corvallis campus about once a week. Each survey takes about 5-10 min and survey training will be provided. We are especially excited to provide opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in this research! Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page if you are interested.
We also encourage the public to submit data on dead birds that they encounter incidentally on campus. To fill out an incidental report you will need the following information:
- The date that the bird(s) were discovered
- The coordinates of the location of the dead bird, or a detailed description
- A picture of each dead bird
Additional information on bird-window collisions and ways to prevent them:
- General info from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/why-birds-hit-windows-and-how-you-can-help-prevent-it/
- Collision prevention product reviews from the American Bird Conservancy: https://abcbirds.org/get-involved/bird-smart-glass/
- More tips on preventing collisions (Dr. Kim Sullivan's window collision research at the University of Utah helped to inspire our project!): https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2682&context=extension_curall
