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Audubon talk: Is your building bird friendly?

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CONCORD, N.H. - Glass windows and walls are deadly for birds. Every year, hundreds of millions of birds die from flying into windows and other transparent structures, which birds do not see. Fortunately, building owners can prevent these collisions by employing fairly simple and inexpensive measures, according to Laura Deming, senior biologist at NH Audubon. Preventing bird collisions is the subject of Deming's upcoming talk, Bird Friendly Buildings - Why are they important? at 7 pm on Thursday at NH Audubon's McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road in Concord.

"Birds don't understand glass; to a bird, reflections are real," Deming said. "However, there are simple measures to eliminate collisions, whether you are attempting to make safer a large building, a home, or a small bus stop enclosure."

Bird mortality from collisions is especially high during spring and fall migration, because birds stop to feed and rest in unfamiliar territory, often in yards, parks, and urban trees. As they attempt to leave, they fly toward reflections that appear to be trees and open sky. Because night-migrating birds seem to be attracted to lights, biologists have recommended dimming lights in large buildings at night, prompting many cities to establish "Lights Out" programs. More recently, researchers studying bird collisions have developed resources for architects, builders, and building owners to reduce collisions through innovative materials and designs that also inspire beautiful structures.

The American Bird Conservancy recently published a new report on bird friendly buildings with new approaches, designs and materials that dramatically reduce building collisions. For example, glass manufactured with "frit" patterns are visible to birds and offer a safer alternative to reflective glass. Deming recommends minimizing the amount of uncovered or untreated glass, especially in lower floors, where trees and vegetation are reflected. She will discuss these new innovations, along with ways to make existing structures, including homes, less dangerous to birds.

"We tend to focus on factors in the natural environment when we think about protecting and conserving wildlife," Deming said. "But the built environment - buildings, bridges or windmills, for example - is also an important part of the landscape and an area worthy of both citizen and professional conservation and awareness efforts."

The talk is the last event of NH Audubon's winter Conservation Series. All are welcome. A suggested donation of $5 for members and $7 for nonmembers is requested. For more information, contact Ruth at 603-224-9909 x 313, rsmith@nhaudubon.org or visit nhaudubon.org/calendar.

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