Jacksonville Initiates Measures to Protect Birds from Collisions

News Summary

Jacksonville is launching new initiatives to safeguard birds from fatal collisions with skyscrapers. City leaders are taking action, highlighted by Alistair Dove’s efforts at MOSH to install bird dots. The city’s ‘Lights Out Nights’ program will further protect migratory birds by encouraging residents to turn off nonessential lights at night. With over 200 fatalities reported last year, these collaborative steps aim to create a safer environment for avian visitors while raising community awareness.

Jacksonville Takes Big Steps to Save Birds from Skyscraper Strikes!

Jacksonville is buzzing about a new initiative aimed at protecting our feathered friends. City leaders have recognized a troubling trend: birds colliding with high-rise buildings in downtown, leaving many of these magnificent creatures lifeless on the sidewalks. With over 200 bird fatalities reported last year alone, it’s high time action was taken!

The Bird Collision Crisis

At the forefront of this awareness is Alistair Dove, the CEO of the Museum of Science and History (MOSH). He has seen the beautiful sights of 23 different bird species flitting around outside his office. However, he is also a witness to the heartbreaking reality of these birds misjudging their surroundings. Many mistake the reflections in glass windows for trees, leading them to a tragic fate. What a sad way to lose a stunning part of nature!

Starting with Simple Solutions

Enter bird dots—a clever little innovation designed to reduce these deadly collisions! Working alongside the Audubon Society of Florida, the museum plans to install these dots on its windows. These markers act like a guide for birds, helping them understand they cannot fit through the gaps and adjust their flight paths accordingly. It’s amazing how such a small addition can make such a significant impact!

In fact, MOSH is stepping up as the first building in downtown Jacksonville to implement this simple yet effective solution. With community awareness growing, Mayor Donna Deegan is all for this initiative and is encouraging other skyscrapers to adopt similar measures. Together, we can ensure that our city remains a safe haven for birds.

Introducing ‘Lights Out Nights’

In addition to installing bird dots, Jacksonville is launching an exciting program called ‘Lights Out Nights’. During this initiative, residents and businesses are encouraged to turn off nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. This simple act could have a powerful impact on protecting migratory birds during their dusky travels through the city.

Running twice a year—from mid-March to mid-May and again from mid-September to mid-November—this program coincides with peak migratory seasons. The Jacksonville Jaguars organization is also getting involved by turning off decorative lighting at Daily’s Place when events aren’t taking place. This collaborative effort aims to foster a safer environment for our avian visitors.

Understanding the Impact of Light

As we change our nighttime habits, it’s essential to consider how light affects birds. For example, the Lights Out Northeast Florida program, in partnership with our local zoo and various Audubon Societies, collects data on migratory bird strikes. Nighttime lights can distract birds, particularly migrants that typically navigate using stars. Interestingly, most collisions happen in the morning when these birds are confused by reflections.

The facts are striking: surveys conducted during migration months reported an astonishing 170 bird collisions during the fall migration alone! Of these unfortunate incidents, species like the common yellowthroat and ovenbirds were among the most frequently recorded victims.

Helping Injured Birds

What happens to these birds after collisions? Local rehabilitation efforts are in place! Injured birds are taken care of at the Jacksonville Zoo, where they receive the help they need. Meanwhile, deceased birds are donated to ornithology programs in Gainesville, ensuring that their lives contribute to our understanding of bird populations.

Reaching Out to Building Managers

The city is also taking proactive steps by reaching out to building managers to encourage them to turn off lights during those critical nighttime hours for migratory birds. With teamwork and community support, Jacksonville is on its way to creating a safer environment for our cherished migratory birds.

As residents of this vibrant city, let’s take pride in our collective efforts to protect our winged neighbors, fostering a greener and more bird-friendly Jacksonville!

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Additional Resources

• First Coast News: Bird Dots Arrive in Downtown Jacksonville
• First Coast News: Jacksonville Lights Out Nights
• Jacksonville.com: Zoo and Audubon Help Migrating Birds
• Washington Post: Protecting Birds through Building Design
• Wikipedia: Migratory Bird
• Google Search: Bird Collision Prevention