Early on a Monday morning, Patricia Scanlon and her team from the Cape Henry Audubon Society were on the streets of downtown Norfolk, searching for dead birds. The tall buildings with glass windows and bright lights in downtown Norfolk attract migratory birds, causing them to collide with the windows and die. Millions of birds migrate through Hampton Roads each year, but bird populations have been declining due to various reasons, including habitat loss and building strikes.
Scanlon and her team have found about 260 birds in downtown Norfolk this fall alone. They document each collision site, record details on a phone app, and collect the specimens for further analysis. Sometimes, they come across injured birds, which they take to wildlife rehabilitators for care. The team is also advocating for local officials and property owners to take measures to prevent bird collisions, such as turning off lights at night or using curtains.
Despite their efforts, most big buildings in downtown Norfolk remain brightly lit, posing a risk to migratory birds. The upcoming rollout of LED streetlights in the city is also a concern, as the bright lights can disorient birds and affect their natural behaviors. Bird experts recommend using LED lights with warmer tones to minimize the impact on wildlife.
The fall migration season in Hampton Roads lasts until mid-November, and Scanlon and her team plan to continue their surveys year-round. If you come across an injured bird in Hampton Roads, you can contact the Tidewater Wildlife Rescue hotline for assistance.
In conclusion, the efforts of Scanlon and the Cape Henry Audubon Society highlight the importance of protecting migratory birds from building strikes and other threats. By raising awareness and advocating for bird-friendly practices, they hope to make downtown Norfolk a safer place for birds during their annual migrations.