Wildlife

Bird Migration Hazard Reduction

Migratory birds face a gauntlet of human-created hazards including towers, wind turbines, pesticides, and light pollution that kill hundreds of millions annually.

Key Facts

An estimated 500 million to one billion birds die annually from human-created hazards in the US
Communication towers kill an estimated 7 million birds annually
Wind turbines kill between 140,000 and 500,000 birds annually in the US
Light pollution contributes to disorientation and building collisions

Welfare Considerations

Migratory birds face cumulative welfare threats across their entire journey from breeding to wintering grounds. Each human structure, pesticide application, and light source adds to the toll. Individual birds that collide with windows or towers may be injured and suffer for extended periods before dying. Cumulative mortality represents an enormous welfare crisis that can be substantially reduced with available technologies.

What You Can Do

Turn off unnecessary lights during peak migration periods
Apply window collision deterrents to glass in your home
Support bird-safe building design standards
Advocate for migration-sensitive placement and lighting of wind turbines and towers