Windows and building collisions are the second leading human-related cause of bird mortality, accounting for roughly 25 million bird deaths annually in Canada. Safe Wings Ottawa estimates that building collisions account for 250,000 bird deaths in the City of Ottawa alone.

It may be surprising but the vast majority of the bird-building collisions do not come from tall buildings or skyscrapers, but instead from residential buildings – our homes. After all, many of us have had the unfortunate experience of hearing a “thud” on our windows, only to come outside to see an injured or worse yet, a dead bird, fallen victim to glass windows. This phenomenon has been amplified by COVID-19, as more people find themselves working from home, where they bear witness to the lethal impact of their windows on birds.

However, this does not have to be the legacy that we leave behind. We can choose to do more to protect nature and wildlife in our communities – and it seems that the City of Ottawa is trying to move in this direction. Following the examples of other North American cities such as New York, Chicago, Toronto and Vancouver, Ottawa has officially adopted Bird-Safe Design Guidelines.

These guidelines have the potential to save bird lives by using precautions such as non-reflective glass; putting visual markers on windows; avoiding building or structure designs that trap and kill birds; and following best practices for landscaping and lighting design.

Although this is a significant step that should be applauded, we must also recognize that there is room for much more! The Bird-Safe Design Guidelines adopted by the City of Ottawa on Nov. 25, 2020 are just that – guidelines. For a long-lasting impact on reducing bird deaths from building collisions, cities like Ottawa should impose a mandatory bird-safe design standard on builders and developers.

Still, with our planet’s biodiversity at stake, it is promising to see that the nation’s capital is taking steps to become a city that balances nature and people. We must acknowledge the efforts of Ottawa’s mayor and council, but also remind them that their work is not done. Now is the time for Ottawa to keep the momentum going towards becoming a Bird Friendly City – a city that is actively mitigating threats to bird populations, increasing and restoring natural habitat, and educating and mobilizing the residents to actively protect and celebrate birds.