Leon Levy Foundation

New Grant Will Reduce Mortality of Birds Killed in Collisions with Man-Made Structures

American Bird Conservancy recently announced a new, three-year, $437,000 grant from the New York-based Leon Levy Foundation. The grant will support a program aimed at reducing the mortality of migratory birds killed in collisions with window glass, tall buildings, and other man-made structures, and the publication of a new book, the Field Guide to Bird Conservation.

“Birds cannot see glass on their daily forays, and did not evolve to deal with the vast array of giant illuminated structures they must now confront during night-time migration,” said Dr. George H. Fenwick, President of American Bird Conservancy. “Fortunately there are solutions, and a great deal of interest in fixing this problem.”

Photo: Mike Parr

Each year, an estimated 2.5 billion migratory birds are killed inadvertently in the U.S. due to human activities, and many of these die in collisions with window glass, communication towers, and increasingly, wind turbines. Concern over declines in birds, coupled with the knowledge that much of this death toll can be averted with the use of appropriate technology, inspired American Bird Conservancy and the Levy Foundation to team up and address the problem.

Shelby White, founding trustee of the Leon Levy Foundation, said, “My interest in birds stretches back to my childhood days in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Over the years, sadly, the population of so many species of birds has declined. Our hope is that this anti-collision program will save the lives of millions of birds. The Leon Levy Foundation is pleased to support the American Bird Conservancy in this important program and in the publication of the field guide that will serve as a one-stop, bird conservation resource for both the public and policymakers.”

“The recent explosion of interest in ‘green’ buildings provides a great opportunity to advance solutions that can protect migratory birds,” said Mike Parr, Vice President for American Bird Conservancy. “Keeping window lights off at night in large city buildings reduces bird mortality, cuts pollution and saves money.”

The Field Guide to Bird Conservation will summarize the complex issues in modern bird conservation for a popular audience. This new book will communicate the top priorities to the nation’s 46 million birdwatchers and show individuals what they can do to help.”

“Birds are an important indicator of overall environmental health and their conservation has multiple benefits,” added Fenwick. “American Bird Conservancy looks forward to working with a diverse array of groups to make things better for birds and for the environment as a whole through this Leon Levy Foundation grant.”