Community Engagement
During one of my first routes, I encountered this little yellow warbler who tugged on my heartstrings. Despite her collision with reflective glass, we rescued and released her safely in a nearby park.
Bird-window collisions are preventable! I am passionate about teaching people ways to support birds and other species who struggle to navigate the obstacles we've placed in their paths.
To target efforts, Lights Out Northeast Florida has been analyzing data on the number of bird strikes, which species, and the locations.
During migratory months, I walk a route with about 30 other volunteers, surveying 42 downtown Jacksonville locations for dead and injured birds. We have divided the area into five designated routes, walked at sunrise, four days a week.
I power-mapped the locations to identify our influencers, barriers, and motivators. Turns out we are surveying apartment buildings, hotels, non-profits, churches, a stadium, museums, and large and small corporations. This data then frames our messages and conversations. LINK TO MY RESEARCH PAPER
I took this picture of a bird confused by glass and the potted plant on the other side. Helping birds like her is one more reason I continue working with Lights Out Northeast Florida. I'm happy to report we also captured and released this female warbler. Reflective glass can be mitigated. And the costs are not as prohibitive as they once were.
After more than three years of collecting data, conversations are happening with local businesses, city leaders, residents, schools, architects, and - quite frankly - anyone interested in helping.
We also collaborate with other Audubon and Lights Out chapters, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, window-collision experts, and manufacturers of bird-friendly materials. It has been a whirlwind of community engagement. I am thrilled to be working alongside such compassionate people to help migratory birds safely pass through Northeast Florida.
