Protecting Birds and Advancing Green Initiatives: A Call to Action for Indianapolis

The McCormick Center's Initiative and Its Impact on Bird Safety

A recent significant development in one of our neighboring states has the potential to inspire cities across the nation. The McCormick Center in Chicago, the largest convention center in the U.S., is embarking on a commendable project to install Feather Friendly tape on the exterior of its structure. This bird-friendly tape aims to reduce bird collisions, a growing concern in urban environments where buildings often pose a lethal threat to migrating birds. You can read more about this project here.

This initiative isn't just a step forward for Chicago; it sets a precedent that other cities, including Indianapolis, should consider following. Implementing similar projects here could enhance our city's reputation as a leader in green initiatives and wildlife conservation.

Why Is This Important?

Each year, more than 100 million birds die from building strikes in North America, with major structures alone accounting for up to 1,000 bird deaths annually, according to Massachusetts Audubon. The primary cause of these tragic collisions is the disorientation birds experience while migrating at night. Guided by the moon and stars, birds often become confused by the bright lights of urban buildings, leading them into the city where they face the danger of crashing into glass structures.

During the day, birds continue to be at risk as they take flight, only to collide with clear or reflective windows that they cannot distinguish as solid objects. These collisions are not just harmful to birds but also a reminder of the broader environmental impact our cities have on wildlife.

How Can You Help?

There are practical steps that building owners, managers, tenants, business owners, residents, and homeowners in Indianapolis can take to reduce bird fatalities, particularly during critical migration months like April, May, September, and October.

Building Owners and Managers

• Turn off decorative exterior lighting, upward-facing lights, and atrium lighting.
• If possible, ask cleaning crews to light and clean one floor at a time, starting on the upper floors.
• Use timers and motion-sensing controls to minimize lighting.
• Apply bird-friendly designs, such as bird tape on windows.

Tenants and Business Owners

• Turn off lights and draw the blinds when leaving work.
• Use task lighting when working late.
• Promote initiatives like Lights Out Indy through social media or flyers in your office.
• Encourage your building owner to sign up for bird-friendly programs.

Residents and Homeowners

• Sign up to monitor downtown buildings or blocks for downed birds during migration.
• Volunteer to transport injured birds to licensed rehabilitators.
• Support bird-friendly legislation with your state and local representatives.
• Educate others on how saving energy can save birds.

By taking these actions, we can contribute to a safer environment for migrating birds and help position Indianapolis as a leader in sustainable and wildlife-friendly urban planning. Together, we can make a difference—both for our city's green reputation and for the countless birds whose lives depend on our choices.