"At Least 291 Migratory Birds Killed"... The Ongoing 'Bird Collision' Issue

Collision on the Exterior Wall of New York World Trade Center
Building Lights Cause Disorientation

Migratory birds collided with the exterior wall of the World Trade Center building in the United States and died in large numbers.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Hundreds of migratory birds were killed after colliding with building windows in Manhattan, New York, USA.

According to the New York Post on the 16th (local time), migratory birds collided with the World Trade Center (WTC) building in New York City and fell, leaving carcasses piled up like a grave on the streets. Melissa Breyer, a volunteer at Audubon New York who discovered the scene, said, "When I arrived at the World Trade Center building, the area beneath was covered with birds."

According to the bird protection organization Audubon New York, migratory birds lose their sense of direction due to light leaking from buildings and reflections on glass windows, causing collisions. It was reported that at least 291 birds fell and died on roads around the WTC during the nights of the 13th and 14th.

The organization stated, "The birds that were sacrificed were mainly thrushes, flycatchers, and warblers. Usually, about 15 to 20 birds collide in one season, but this time the number was shockingly high."

Caitlin Perkins, Deputy Director of Conservation and Science at Audubon New York, emphasized, "Bird collisions caused by Manhattan's high-rise buildings have been an ongoing issue. It is estimated that due to this week's storm, migratory birds flew lower than usual."

Audubon New York requested that the WTC and nearby high-rise building managers dim their nighttime lighting. This is because migratory birds can better see ahead at night, which can help prevent collisions.

Dara McMillan, spokesperson for Silverstein Properties, co-developer of the WTC, said, "We encourage office tenants to turn off lights and lower blinds as much as possible during migratory bird season."

Meanwhile, 77 of the fallen birds that survived were transferred to a rehabilitation facility of the Wild Bird Fund located in the Upper West Side area, and 30 of them recovered and were released on the 15th.